BR 1725 
.S47 W3 
1835 
Copy 1 



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MEMOIRS 



MISS CAROLINE E. SMELT. 



MOSES WADDEL, D.D. 

Pastor of the United Churches of li'itliyigton and Hopewell, in the District 
of Abbeville, South Carolina, 



They that seek me early shall find uie.— Prov. viii. 17. 
The righteous hath hope in his death.— Prov. xiv. 32, 




HENRY PERKINS, No. 159 CHESTNUT STREET. 

BOSTON, 
PERKINS, MARVIN, AND CO. 

1835. 



..L 



Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1835, 

By Henry Perkins, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern Dis- 

trict of Pennsylvania. 



Jt's'S-t 



Stereotyped by L. Johnson, 
Philadelphia. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 






To M- 



I have read, with lively interest, the manuscript 
Memoirs of the amiable and pious Miss Smelt, and can 
feel no hesitation in the expression of an opinion fa- 
vourable to their publication. I believe the narrative 
calculated to do much good, especially among the 
young of her own sex. 

Yours, &c. 

James Milnor, 
Rector of St. George's Church. 
New York, 15th Aug. 1818. 



To Mrs, Elizabeth Jo?ies. 
Madam, 

I concur, with much pleasure, in recommending the 
publication of the Memoirs of the late excellent Miss 
Smelt ; being convinced that they are, under God, cal- 
culated to be eminently useful. Her well-cultivated 
youthful mind, her truly amiable disposition, and above 
all, her being so evidently a subject of divine grace, 
give the narrative much interest and value. Who, 
that himself loves the Redeemer, can peruse such an 

3 



4 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

account of a departed saint, without feeling his heart 
warmed with holy affections, and edified 1 
I am, most respectfully, 

Yours sincerely in Christ, 

Benjamin Mortimer, 
Pastor of the Church of the United Brethren. 
New York, 17th Aug. 1818. 



To Jtfrs* Elizabeth Jones. 
Madam, 

I have perused the manuscript copy of the Memoirs 
of Miss. C. E. Smelt with peculiar pleasure, and shall 
be highly gratified to see the work in print. I feel a 
confidence that the publication will be calculated to be 
useful, not only among her relations and the friends 
who knew her, but also among strangers. It is calcu- 
lated to be useful wherever it may be read. Accept my 
thanks that I have been favoured with the perusal. 
With respect, I am, madam, yours, &c. 

John M'Dowell, 
Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown. 
Elizabethtown, 29th Aug. 1818. 



To Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 
Madam, 

Expressions of mercy, so distinguished as that ex- 
hibited in the Memoirs of Miss Smelt, ought not to be 
withheld from the world. They appear to honour God, 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 

and to be adapted to do good to the souls of men. The 
impression has delightfully rested on my mind, while 
perusing the manuscript, that mothers who love their 
daughters, and daughters who love their mothers, and 
all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, will find much in 
this brief narrative which they will wish to cherish and 
wish to remember. It is with pleasure, madam, that I 
commit this testimony of my approbation of the work 
to your disposal. 

With earnest prayers for the divine blessing upon 
this little volume, and with sentiments of personal re- 
spect and kindness, 

I am, madam, 

Your obedient servant, 

Gardiner Spring, 
Pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church. 
New York, 6th Sept. 1818. 



To Mrs. Elizabeth Jones* 
Madam, 

I have read the Memoirs of your late niece, Miss 
Smelt, with much interest. They form a piece of bio- 
graphy which promises to be profitable, and cannot 
f ail to be interesting to both old and young. We have 
here " the words of truth and soberness" uttered under 
circumstances the most solemn and impressive : and I 
would gladly hope, that while those who are encom- 
passed with the temptations peculiar to youth, read the 
warnings and exhortations of the dying Miss Smelt, 
a 2 



b RECOMMENDATIONS. 

they will be led to feel the vanity of all earthly things, 
and the infinite importance of death and eternity. And 
what parent can survey her triumphs over " the last 
enemy," and compare them with her previous history, 
without seeing how rich a blessing attends parental 
fidelity in bringing up a child " in the nurture and ad- 
monition of the Lord." 

Permit me to express my sincere sympathy for her 
bereaved parents, and believe me, 

Your obedient servant, 

J. M. Mathews, 
Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Garden-street, 
New York, 15th Sept. 1818. 



PREFACE. 



The following narrative is presented 
to the public at the earnest request of a 
number of friends of the deceased Miss 
Smelt. She had endeared herself to a 
numerous circle by her many virtues and 
affable deportment. Her mind was culti- 
vated, and her manners highly polished. 
The easy circumstances in which she was 
born and lived, together with the circle 
of society in which she was wont to 
move, afforded her advantages which but 
few enjoy. It was, therefore, thought by 
many who witnessed the last scenes of 
her life, that such a testimony as she gave 
to the truth of vital Christianity, if made 
public, might be useful in promoting the 
best interests of many who had no per- 
sonal acquaintance with her. 

Accordingly, the whole of the follow- 
ing information concerning her was drawn 

7 



PREFACE. 



up by several persons who knew her well, 
and witnessed the most interesting facts 
hereafter recorded. The papers contain- 
ing this information were presented to the 
editor, with a request that he would re- 
vise, arrange, and prepare them for publi- 
cation. With this request he endeavoured 
to comply. The distance at which he re- 
sides from Augusta deprived him of any 
personal knowledge of Miss Smelt .from 
the period of her infancy, when he bap- 
tized her. This want of a later personal 
knowledge he much regrets ; yet from the 
concurrent testimony of many pious and 
w r orthy characters, he does not entertain 
the smallest doubt of the truth of a single 
fact recorded in the following narrative. 
The probity and piety of the persons con- 
cerned in furnishing its materials are too 
well known to admit any dread of suspi- 
cion or contradiction. Besides, the most 
interesting facts related were witnessed 
by many respectable persons, who can 
attest their authenticity ; for " this thing 
was not done in a corner." 



PREFACE. y 

The editor has not enlarged any part of 
the narrative, nor added any comments 
of his own, in the course of it. He has 
only compiled the information communi- 
cated by others. Some words he has 
changed, and some alterations have been 
made in the arrangement : but in no in- 
stance has there been any alteration made 
in the sense of a single paragraph. The 
concluding remarks he has added, and a 
part of the genealogy in the beginning he 
has given from his own knowledge. 

Perspicuity has been his object through 
the whole of the narrative. To attain this 
has been found difficult in some places, 
where a conversation is related between 
two persons of the same sex. However, 
he hopes that, in general, the whole will 
be found intelligible by those who peruse 
it. 

Moses Waddell. 

Willing-ion, South Carolina, ~) 
24th June, 1818. > 



MEMOIRS 



OF 



MISS CAROLINE E. SMELT. 



Miss Caroline Elizabeth Smelt, the 
subject of the following narrative, was born 
in the city of Augusta, in the state of Geor- 
gia, on Lord's-day morning, December 28th, 
1800. Her ancestors, so far as is known, 
were respectable. Her father, Doctor Den- 
nis Smelt, was born in Essex county, in the 
state of Virginia, on the 23d day of Novem- 
ber, 1763. His father, the Rev. John Smelt, 
was a clergyman of the Episcopal church ; 
he was born in England, educated at Oxford, 
and emigrated to America in early life, where 
he married a lady of Virginia. 

Doctor Smelt was educated at William 
and Mary College, in his native state. In 
the year 1786, he went to England, for the 

11 



12 MEMOIRS OF 

purpose of completing his medical studies. 
There he remained three years, and then 
returned to his native land. The state of 
Georgia at that time offered many attrac- 
tions to young men of talents and enterprise. 
Accordingly, the doctor determined on re- 
moving thither, and selected Augusta as the 
place of his future residence, where he set- 
tled in 1789. Here his medical skill and in- 
dustrious attention to the duties of his pro- 
fession, soon procured him a large share of 
public confidence, as well as an extensive and 
lucrative practice. 

In the year 1806, he was elected, by his 
fellow citizens, as a member to represent 
them in the Congress of the United States. 
After acting five years in this capacity, he 
retired from the service of his country, to re- 
pose in the bosom of his family. 

In the year 1798, he received in marriage 
the hand of Miss Mary Cooper, an amiable 
and accomplished young lady of Augusta. 
She was the daughter of Mr. Ananias Coop- 
er, a respectable merchant, then living in the 
city, but since dead. Mr. Cooper's parents 
were both natives of Amsterdam, from which 
place they emigrated to New York, but at 
what period is not known to the writer of 
this narrative. Shortly after Mr. Cooper's 
birth, he lost his father. His mother lived 
sixty-three years. She died in the city of 
New York, She was of exemplary piety, 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 13 

and considered, by good judges, an intelligent 
and accomplished lady. She spoke and wrote 
the English, and several other languages, 
with correctness. It was observed by the 
minister who preached the funeral sermon, 
that " she had been a member of the church 
more than thirty years, during all which time 
she had been a * shining light,' and had never 
brought a blush upon her children's cheeks, 
nor the slightest blemish on the cause of re- 
ligion." Mrs. Cooper, the mother of Mrs. 
Smelt, was a native of Ireland. She emi- 
grated to Philadelphia when young, where 
she was married to Mr. Cooper, by whom 
she had five daughters ; of these Mrs. Smelt 
was the third. In January, 1778, while the 
British army were in the city of Philadel- 
phia, and great disorder was prevalent there, 
Mrs. Cooper, expecting shortly to be the 
mother of a third child, retired to Bethle- 
hem, a quiet village in the interior of the 
state ; within a few miles of which place Mrs. 
Smelt was born, on the 31st of January, 
1778. 

Mrs. Cooper survived her husband some 
years, and died near Augusta, in the year 
1813, in the 70th year of her age. She had 
long been a professor of religion, and left an 
unquestionable testimony of her faith in Jesus. 
She died a most triumphant death. With a 
heavenly countenance she exclaimed, "Lord 
B 



14 MEMOIRS OF 

Jesus, receive my spirit !" and immediately 
expired without a struggle. 

The preceding imperfect sketch of Ca- 
roline's ancestors is prefixed to gratify the 
innocent curiosity which may be felt by her 
friends, or any of those who may read her 
memoirs. 

Caroline was not the first child of her 
parents. A son, named John, was the 
first pledge of their wedded love. He afford- 
ed his parents all that happiness, in pros- 
pect, which a promising infant could pos- 
sibly furnish during thirteen months, when it 
pleased Him who " blessed little children," 
to take him from his earthly parents, at that 
early age, to be with himself. 

About four months after this bereavement, 
the hearts of these parents were gladdened 
by the birth of a daughter ; and this daughter 
was Caroline Elizabeth. From early child- 
hood she discovered strong marks of an in- 
telligent mind, blended with much meekness, 
modesty, and benevolence of disposition. 
At the age of eighteen months, she was un- 
commonly engaging and interesting. She 
could, even then, repeat many little prayers 
with such a distinct articulation as is not 
usual at that tender age. When only two 
years old, she could repeat a number of short 
instructive lessons which she had committed 
to memory, and deliver them with such pa- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 15 

thos, property of emphasis, and expression 
of countenance, as to surprise and gratify all 
who heard her. 

Many circumstances occurred in the dawn 
of her life, calculated to delight and increase 
parental affection, which are so far eifaced by 
time and succeeding events as only to leave 
on the memory a general impression that 
they gave rise to pleasing hopes of future ex- 
cellence. A few little anecdotes are still 
recollected ; some of which shall be here 
inserted, as they may tend, in some mea- 
sure, to show the sensibility of heart which 
she possessed while she was yet a babe. 

When she was not more than three years old, 
on a very cold, wet, and stormy winter night, 
she was seated by her mother in a little chair, 
amusing her with her innocent prattle. Her 
mother, feeling desirous to improve the even- 
ing as profitably as possible, called the atten- 
tion of her little daughter to the comforts 
which they then enjoyed, and contrasted 
them with the situation of the indigent. She 
then related to Caroline the circumstances of 
a poor, afflicted, little female orphan, without 
clothes, food, or a permanent home. This 
recital soon drew tears from the eyes of the 
little hearer, accompanied with sobs. After 
sitting some time, she wiped off her tears, and 
appeared to be engaged in deep thought. 
At length she rose from her chair, and ap- 
proached her mother, saying, " My dear 



16 MEMOIRS OF 

mamma, I have been thinking how I could 
relieve this poor little girl. Will you please 
to let our good old servant, Nancy, take me 
directly to her ? I wish to bring her home 
with me to-night ; she shall sleep in my bed, 
and I will give her some of my frocks, and 
a pair of my red shoes." On being told that 
it was dark and rainy, and that she had 
better defer her intended charity until the 
morning, she replied, " O no, mamma, please 
to let me go to-night, for you said she had 
nothing to eat." Her mother then observed, 
that it was too late, and she would get wet, 
perhaps take a cold, and be sick. " O no, 
mamma, I shall feel better ; I wish to bring 
her here to-night, and you will be her mam- 
ma too ; won't you ?" To see how far her 
feelings would carry her, her mother had the 
servant called, her little bonnet and mantle 
tied on, and she actually proceeded, with 
firm intention, to the street. But here her 
natural timidity discovered itself, by her 
cleaving to the servant, and kindly asking her 
to take her little hand in hers, and hold the 
umbrella over her head. They had not been 
allowed to proceed many steps, before her 
mother called them back ; being fully satisfied 
as to the motives which influenced her child. 
Little Caroline expressed much disappoint- 
ment, and could not be consoled until she 
received every assurance from her mother, 
that the little sufferer had been provided for. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 17 

The next day the subject was renewed, and 
the frocks and shoes were tendered. 

At the age of four years, she was sent to 
school, and made such proficiency as to give 
general satisfaction to all concerned. By 
her docility, amiable disposition, and obedient 
behaviour, she also gained the friendship 
and affection of her intelligent preceptress, 
which continued unimpaired to the end of 
her life. Very many, if not all, of her 
school-mates loved her, and were beloved 
by her. As soon as she could read, she 
evinced great delicacy of taste in the se- 
lection of little books, to occupy her leisure 
hours ; and would comment on what she had 
read, with unusual correctness. 

When she was between five and six years 
old, she had been one evening engaged in 
reading a little book, descriptive of the cha- 
racters of two little girls. The one was very 
rich, an only child, but exceedingly bold, 
passionate, obstinate, and uncharitable : the 
other was poor, and in a state of great bodily 
sufferings, but very amiable. She appeared 
much disgusted with the bad girl, and won- 
dered that the wealth had not been given to 
the good child. A moralizing dialogue then 
ensued between her and her mother. Short- 
ly afterwards, Caroline retired to bed, and 
her mother thought she had fallen asleep, as 
she had lain perfectly quiet for some time ; 
when, to the surprise of Mrs. Smelt, her little 
b2 



18 MEMOIRS OF 

daughter rose up in the bed, and with great 
feeling said, " My dear mamma, I hope I shall 
never be such a vain boaster, and such an un- 
dutiful child as that bad girl was. I would 
much rather be as poor and as afflicted as that 
other, if I could be as good." She seemed 
much affected, and as if she had been engaged 
in deep reflection on the subject. Her mother 
then gave her such advice as she thought 
would assist her to see her duty ; and to rea- 
lize the good wishes she had formed. This ap- 
peared to console her youthful mind, and soon 
after she fell asleep. 

About this period she became much en- 
gaged with her catechism. In questioning 
her one day, as to her comprehension of the 
ten commandments, her mother was much 
gratified by the correctness of many of her 
answers. One of them is distinctly remem- 
bered ; and although it be infantile in the 
manner of expression, yet it is strong, and 
shows her views on the subject. Her mother 
asked her if she understood the meaning of 
that command which requires us to " love 
our neighbour as ourselves ?" She replied, 
with great modesty, "I believe I do. You 
know," said she, " when my dear old grand- 
mamma comes to see us, she always brings 
some little token of her remembrance to 
cousin Cornelia and myself ; and she always 
says, ' Come here, my little Caroline, take 
this, and divide it with Cornelia.' She gives 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 19 

it to me first, because she says I am your 
only little pet. Well, I take it (perhaps it 
is only a biscuit, perhaps a single apple) 
and I divide it, taking care always to give 
cousin the biggest part. Now, is it not this 
loving my neighbour as myself?" 

When she was about six years old, it was 
thought expedient to send her to a dancing 
school. Nearly all her little school-mates 
had already entered. It was proposed to 
her ; she evinced disapprobation ; but, with 
her usual submission, yielded to the wishes 
of those whom she loved. She was taken 
by her mother, who supposed, that as soon 
as Caroline should see her young friends, and 
hear the music, she would be reconciled to 
remain. But on entering the school, she 
discovered great agitation and terror, entreat- 
ed her mother not to leave her, and burst 
into tears. Mrs. Smelt, much surprised and 
disconcerted, returned home with her, and 
inquired the cause of her agitation. Still 
trembling, she replied, " My dear mamma, 
I cannot tell you, but I felt so much alarm, 
I could not stay. I hope you will never de- 
sire me to go to that school again. I can hop 
and jump about enough at home, without 
going to that school to learn." Her mother 
then told her, that she had mortified her ex- 
ceedingly by exposing her weakness before 
so many persons ; many of whom would pro- 
bably call her a spoiled baby, and charge 



20 MEMOIRS OF 

the fault to her. Caroline then replied, " I 
do not regard any reproaches my conduct, on 
this occasion, may bring upon me, if you 
will forgive me, and not desire me to go 
again." 

No farther attempt was made to have her 
taught dancing, until she was ten years old. 
She then showed the same disapprobation 
and the same submission. She was told, that 
it was an accomplishment which her friends 
wished her to acquire ; that it would qualify 
her better for appearing in that society in 
which she was intended to move ; and would 
contribute much to render her easy and grace- 
ful in her deportment. She smiled, and ob- 
served, "it was strange reasoning; and that 
any thing so light and trifling in its nature, 
should qualify her better for the society of 
rational beings, was surprising." She entered, 
and soon became what the world calls an ele- 
gant and graceful dancer. Before the expi- 
ration of the last quarter, she requested leave 
to retire ; observing, that her friends had 
complimented her on the proficiency she had 
made ; and as she had answered their wishes, 
she begged leave to give up farther attend- 
ance on the school. She was persuaded to 
finish the quarter ; but frequently, when pre- 
paring for the dance, would shed tears, and 
say that she " felt great repugnance to be- 
stow so much time on a thing, of which she 
should never be fond." For this her friends 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 21 

were unable to account, as there was not the 
least tincture of melancholy in her disposi- 
tion. On the contrary, she was extremely 
cheerful and happy, but never volatile ; 
sprightly and animated in conversation, but 
never countenanced or descended to levity. 

In her eighth year, she was called to expe- 
rience a most afflictive dispensation of Di- 
vine Providence, in the death of a darling 
little sister, who was three years younger 
than herself. She was greatly grieved, but 
displayed much resignation to the will of 
God ; and directed her sympathy and affec- 
tionate condolence to the consolation of her 
afflicted mother. Mrs. Smelt had enjoyed 
but feeble health for several years, and her 
mind had been deeply exercised in seeking 
to secure the best interests of her own soul. 
This bereavement laid her low in the valley 
of humiliation. She was visited by many 
pious friends and ministers of the gospel. 
When her mother was engaged in conversa- 
tion with them, reading the Scriptures, or 
other religious works, little Caroline would 
give her whole attention to the subject; and 
she has since told her mother, that from that 
period, she dated the first perceptible opera- 
tions of divine grace upon her heart. For, 
said she, " so clear was my comprehension 
of the plan of salvation through a Redeemer, 
that I understood it as well, and believed in 
it as firmly, at eight years of age, as I do now 



22 MEMOIRS OF 

on my death-bed." She also observed, "that 
it often had been a matter of astonishment to 
her, even at that early period, that she should 
have such clear conceptions of a subject 
which caused so much investigation and 
doubt in the minds of older persons." She 
was always attentive to religious instruction, 
and at the age just mentioned, particularly 
so. Her mother never asked her to retire 
with her, for the purpose of private prayer, 
without finding her ready, and immediately 
willing to attend, let her little engagements 
be what they might. She would bow on 
her little knees, with so much sweet humi- 
lity, and so silently and patiently engage 
in this solemn duty, as to afford her affec- 
tionate mother the greatest delight, particu- 
larly when she could see her, at the close of 
the duty, wiping the precious tears from her 
infantile cheeks. 

When Caroline was a little more than eight 
years old, her curiosity was considerably ex- 
cited to see the Augusta races. As a num- 
ber of her little friends were going, she asked 
permission to attend also. Her mother, feel- 
ing confident that her little daughter did not 
understand the nature of this amusement, did 
not hesitate to indulge her. She was accord- 
ingly placed under the care of a particular 
friend, and went ; but before the race was 
over, she was brought home as pale as a 
little corpse. On inquiring the cause of her 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 23 

returning in that manner, she said, she had 
been very much disappointed in the amuse- 
ment ; that she had seen nothing but a fright- 
ful confusion, and the poor horses whipped 
and run almost to death ; that she had con- 
cealed her terror as much as possible, for 
fear of interrupting the friends with whom 
she was ; but at length two men got to fight- 
ing near the carriage in which she was seated, 
and she heard a loud exclamation of " War! 
war !" which alarmed her so exceedingly that 
she was near fainting ; when her friend, see- 
ing her situation, brought her away imme- 
diately. She ever afterwards evinced a 
great abhorrence of this amusement. 

Perhaps a more happy, meek, or affection- 
ate disposition than that which she possessed 
has rarely ever been known. Always de- 
sirous of making every one around her par- 
take, as much as possible, of the blessings she 
enjoyed, she extended this principle to friends, 
strangers, servants, and even to animals. It 
is well recollected, that soon after the races 
before mentioned, a young friend presented 
her with a beautiful little ring-dove in a cage. 
At first Caroline was much delighted with 
the present ; but after a short time she ex- 
pressed great sympathy for the poor bird ; 
and said she should feel more pleasure in 
owning it, if it were not confined like a 
prisoner. A friend then assured her, that if 
she would open the cage door and let it out, 



24 MEMOIRS OF 

the bird was so domesticated that it would 
not fly away, but would exercise itself on the 
trees in the yard, and return to the cage. 
The experiment was immediately made, but 
the bird never returned. Instead of being 
distressed by this circumstance, she seemed 
to be gratified. Her mother was surprised, 
who supposed that she had become weary of 
her little charge ; but soon afterwards, in con- 
versation on this subject, Caroline cleared 
herself of this suspicion, by saying that she 
did not think it right to imprison little birds, 
and separate them from their mothers ; that 
she hoped her ring-dove had found its mam- 
ma, and that was the cause of its not return- 
ing. She was glad that she had let it go ; 
for " O how happy the poor mother and little 
dove must have been, in meeting after so long 
an absence ;" and concluded by saying, she 
hoped none of her friends would again pre- 
sent her with a bird in a cage ; for she would 
much rather see them hopping about on the 
trees, and hear their delightful little notes, in 
the open air, than to have then deprived of 
their liberty on her account. 

There was one singularity in her disposi- 
tion while she was a child, which was often 
remarked by those about her, namely, that 
she never discovered a fondness for toys of 
any description ; on the contrary, she rather 
manifested an aversion to them. She was 
often presented with a variety, particularly 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 25 

of dolls, of which most little girls are very- 
fond. But she never made any use of them, 
as an amusement for herself; and would cheer- 
fully bestow them on little friends whom she 
knew took pleasure in them. She was of so 
domestic a disposition always, so much more 
attached to home than any other place, that 
her mother frequently endeavoured to pro- 
mote her amusement, by inviting her atten- 
tion to those innocent playthings. But one 
day she observed to her mamma, that she 
could take no pleasure in wasting time with 
those pieces of painted wood ; that she was 
very fond of living babes ; indeed, she loved 
them dearly, because our blessed Saviour had 
taken such in his arms, and blessed them. 
She continued, "I never feel lonesome when 
I have mamma to converse with me ; and 
when she is otherwise engaged, I have my 
lessons to get, or I can amuse myself in the 
gardens. My pets are there ; for I derive 
more pleasure from seeing my little plants 
flourish, than I do from playing with toys." 
Indeed, this was proved by the care and at- 
tention which she paid to them. She had al- 
ways a given number of plants and flowers in 
the garden, which were called hers, which she 
would water and attend to herself. Often 
was she seen watching for the first appearance 
of a flower-bud on a favourite plant or shrub ; 
and often did she run to her mother, in a 
transport of joy, to tell her that it was in 
C 



26 MEMOIRS OF 

bloom, or to present one of the flowers. The 
beauties of nature always presented to her 
mind an inexhaustible theme for admiration ; 
and she often discovered more pleasure in 
contemplating the shape and colour of a sin- 
gle flower, than in the enjoyment of any 
fashionable amusement. She was an enthu- 
siastic lover of flowers. They were the only 
article in fashionable dress with which she 
professed to be pleased. It was not unusual 
for her to appear at the breakfast table with 
her hair ornamented with flowers dripping 
with dew. She said it was not a romantic 
taste that induced her to do this ; but there 
was such perfection stamped on every leaf, as 
to elevate her gratitude to that Being by whose 
wisdom and power they were formed. 

She was early distinguished for her love 
of truth ; insomuch, that she was frequently 
called upon to decide little disputes in school ; 
it being generally admitted by the contend- 
ing parties that Caroline Smelt would not 
tell a falsehood, even to screen herself from 
censure. Her friends have no recollection 
of her ever having deserved a reproof for 
deviating from strict veracity. She viewed 
falsehood as one of the most degrading and 
unprofitable vices, and a very high offence 
against Him who knoweth all things. Neither 
did she countenance or practise tale-bearing. 
So far did she carry this principle, as to suf- 
fer herself sometimes to be grossly imposed 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 27 

upon, rather than make a complaint, lest she 
might be called a tell-tale. 

To her relations she was affable and com- 
panionable, while yet a child ; but her ex- 
treme diffidence, or timid modesty, prevented 
her from communicating her ideas on any 
subject with freedom, except to those with 
whom she was well acquainted. To such 
she was free and communicative, and her 
conversation frequently afforded them instruc- 
tion and delight. Her language was pure ; 
her expressions select ; and her observations 
far beyond her years. 

She appeared to attach no importance to 
herself on account of her being an only child ; 
nor did she infer from this that she had any 
claim to extraordinary indulgence. On the 
contrary, she said, " it humbled her ; for it 
became her duty to strive to be every thing 
to her parents, that they might not grieve too 
much after those children they had lost." 

When she was twelve years old, she was 
highly gratified by the birth of a little sister. 
On this occasion her joy was beyond descrip- 
tion. A certain female neighbour expressed 
her surprise at seeing Caroline so delighted, 
as " it might have been expected that she 
would have been disappointed, rather than 
pleased, that the child was not a boy ; for 
now the little stranger would stand on equal 
ground with herself, and her importance 
would probably be diminished." She replied, 



28 MEMOIRS OF 

she was very sorry that any person should 
entertain so contracted an opinion of her 
heart. She could, with great sincerity, de- 
clare that she was much happier than she 
should have been if it had been a boy ; and 
gave her reasons at full length, which silenced 
the friend. Some time afterwards she said 
to her mother, " Mamma, do you think our 
neighbour ******* was m earnest when she 
gave such an opinion ? I do not approve of 
jests at any time, or on any subject; and 1 
never have taken, and never will, if I can help 
it, take such a liberty with any one. I am sure 
I feel so much gratitude to Providence for 
blessing me with a beautiful little sister, that 
I would be willing that you, even you, should 
love her a great deal better (if that is possi- 
ble) than you do me." 

She now proved that she did indeed love 
living babes ; for greater tenderness or affec- 
tion perhaps was never witnessed than she 
testified towards this little treasure. But, 
ah ! in rather less than a year after its birth 
it was called to the arms of that Saviour who 
had condescended to bless such little ones 
while he sojourned here on earth. This was 
he second time Caroline had felt the pain of 
separation from an only sister ; but her grief 
was tempered with sweet submission to the 
decree of unerring wisdom. She, neverthe- 
less, discovered great sensibility whenever 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 29 

this child was mentioned, and could seldom 
suppress her tears on such occasions. 

At the close of her thirteenth year Caro- 
line attained the stature of a woman. Being 
tall and slender, her close application to 
study, and the death of her little sister, 
occasioned her health (which had always be- 
fore been good) to become rather delicate. 
A journey was advised; and accordingly, in 
the spring of 1814, she set out, accompanied 
by her mother, on a journey to New- York, to 
visit a number of beloved relations who re- 
sided in that city. On this journey she was 
also accompanied by her cousin, Cornelia 
Walker, who had been as a companion and 
sister to her from early childhood. A detail 
of the incidents which occurred during that 
journey will not be attempted. 

They travelled by land ; and before they 
had proceeded three hundred miles, Mrs. 
Smelt had the happiness of seeing her daugh- 
ter's health improving daily. On their way, 
they stopped and spent a Sabbath in a small 
town. They attended public worship both in 
the morning and afternoon. It was announc- 
ed that there would be preaching again by 
candle-light. The young ladies intimated, 
that as they should have to renew their jour- 
ney early next morning, they would rather 
go to bed than go to church that night. Mrs. 
Smelt observed, that she would go to church, 
and was sorry to find that they had no dispo- 
c 2 



30 MEMOIRS OF 

sition to accompany her. This gentle rebuke 
was sufficient ; they both got ready, and went 
with her. They were all much delighted 
with the preacher, and with the subject and 
matter of his discourse, as well as his man- 
ner. He was solemn and impressive ; the 
congregation large and very attentive ; the 
singing unusually melodious. On their re- 
turn to their place of lodging, Miss Walker 
observed to Caroline that she had never 
heard a better sermon in her life. Caroline 
replied, hi I think it was an excellent one, and 
I am now very glad that we went. I do think 
if the preacher had continued a little longer, 
I might have gotten religion ; for I never ex- 
perienced such feelings in my life before. 

cousin ! did you ever hear such singing ? 

1 should like to know the hymn, that I might 
commit it to memory." She referred to the 
exercises of that evening on her death-bed ; 
and said that she had never lost their im- 
pression. 

They spent some time, for the purpose of 
rest, in all the principal towns and cities 
which lay on their way to New York ; but 
made a considerable stay near Richmond in 
Virginia, as they had relations in its neigh- 
bourhood. The young ladies were delighted 
with all they saw. Every city opened upon 
their youthful vision like a new world ; Caro- 
line's health still improving, and her mind ex- 
panding more and more. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 31 

When they reached New-York, it was 
about the last of May. Her friends there 
considered Caroline's health still rather deli- 
cate ; but her mother regarded it as suffi- 
ciently restored to qualify her for resuming 
her studies. Accordingly, as soon as she was 
perfectly rested, after the fatigue of the jour- 
ney, Mrs. Smelt placed her at an excellent 
school, designing to leave her there a year or 
two, if she could receive greater advantages 
as to education, in that city, than she could 
at home. To this scheme Caroline could not 
willingly assent ; and offered such reasons for 
her opposition as determined her mother to 
bring her home with her. 

Having spent eight months in travelling 
and visiting their friends, they returned home 
by the same route by which they had gone ; 
after which, Caroline resumed her studies, 
partly under private instructors. At this pe- 
riod she manifested an increasing ambition to 
acquire literary knowledge, which her mother 
feared would occupy her whole attention, to 
the exclusion of every other consideration. 
Mrs. Smelt frequently admonished her at 
least to equalize her attention, and not to de- 
vote the whole of her time to that, which 
however laudable in itself, she was carrying 
to an extreme. To this Caroline would re- 
ply, that she was desirous of obtaining all the 
useful knowledge she could ; that she wished 
to meet the expectations of her friends, and 



32 MEMOIRS OF 

to lay up for herself a plentiful store of infor- 
mation while she was young, and unencum- 
bered with cares or pleasures. She has since 
confessed, that the thirst for human know- 
ledge had excited in her mind so much ambi- 
tion to be considered learned, and to be 
distinguished for her intellectual attainments, 
that she frequently feared her desires to be a 
Christian were suffering considerable abate- 
ment; that her judgment was not sufficiently 
matured to enable her rightly to divide her 
time ; that she stood in great need of the ad- 
monitory cautions which she used to receive 
from her mother, as they generally tended to 
humble her aspiring notions, and bring her to 
serious reflections. She, at the same time, 
observed, that she could with great truth 
declare that she had never felt the least 
tincture of vanity in her nature, except what 
arose from the compliments which her friends 
had paid to her understanding. " But," said 
she, " the goodness of Providence quelled 
the foolish spirit, by showing me that to 
whom much is given, of the same much will 
be required." And resuming the conversa- 
tion at another time, she said, " My beloved 
mother, how thankful do I feel that I was 
brought, through grace, to see there was 
time for all things ; that the improvement of 
my youthful mind need not exclude piety, 
but that both could sweetly harmonize ; and 
every talent intrusted to my care, when pro- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT, 33 

perly exercised, might redound to the glory 
of God. Instead of being vain, I now feel a 
double weight of responsibility ; but I desire 
that my friends may never compliment me 
again ; it may prove unprofitable. I would 
thank them much more, if they would kindly 
tell me of my faults. I fondly hope my va- 
nity and foolish ambition were buried at the 
same time ; and that too, before any but a 
mother's eye had discerned them ; but I wish 
to avoid every thing that may rouse their 
ashes." 

Thus employed, in pursuing such an edu- 
cation as became her birth, her fortune, and 
future prospects in life, she continued to de- 
light her parents, and increase the number of 
her friends, by exhibiting every virtue, and 
performing every filial duty which the fond 
solicitude of parentage could desire or expect 
from a daughter of her age, until she had com- 
pleted her fifteenth year. 



34 MEMOIRS OF 



PART SECOND. 



From her entrance upon her sixteenth year to the 
commencement of her last illness, including a period 
of one year and eight months. 

Having traced the footsteps of this young 
female through the periods of infancy and 
childhood, we have now come to that part. of 
her short life which was most eventful. She 
had now arrived at the commencement of 
her sixteenth year, when she was about to 
be ushered into society as a young lady. Her 
principles were pure, her manners dignified, 
and extremely modest. She was unaffected, 
intelligent, and inoffensive ; graceful, meek, 
and affectionate. Her mother saw much to 
gratify her fond heart, but her mind was not 
free from maternal anxiety. The eternal 
welfare of this beloved daughter lay near her 
heart. 

Mrs. Smelt had long ere this time che- 
rished a hope that her beloved Caroline was a 
child of grace ; but she now feared that she 
might be drawn into various temptations, be 
allured by worldly amusements, contract a 
fondness for gay society, and thereby lose 
her religious impressions. She regretted the 
want of a regular ministry, The ill health 
of Dr. Thompson, who was their pastor at 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 35 

that time, subjected his congregation to many 
privations. Therefore, the only resource of 
her mother's mind, in her trying circum- 
stances, appeared to be a steady applica- 
tion to a throne of grace in her child's be- 
half, together with the use of such methods 
and admonitions as might appear most proper 
to counteract the influence of the world. 
She was soon surprised to see her daughter 
show no fondness for parties of pleasure, and 
to hear her express great wonder that rational 
beings could be so delighted with them. She 
several times observed to her mother, that she 
did not think it profitable or right, in serious 
people, to countenance so much folly and 
extravagance in what were termed social 
parties ; and as to her own feelings, she could 
truly say they afforded her neither pleasure 
nor improvement; that she enjoyed the so- 
ciety of a few friends around her father's 
fireside, or the perusal of a good book, more 
than she did any gay amusement. 

Notwithstanding these were her sentiments, 
she was often allured to participate in fash- 
ionable follies, and for eight months previous 
to her acquaintance with the Rev. Mr. J. she 
had been much engaged in worldly amuse- 
ments. 

There are, no doubt, many who will ever 
regard it as a token of the goodness of Di- 
vine Providence, that this ambassador of 
Christ was directed to visit Augusta at this 



36 MEMOIRS OF 

time. His visit was short, but long enough 
to afford a number of persons an opportunity 
of becoming acquainted with him, of hearing 
him preach several times, and of laying the 
foundation of a friendship which, it is hoped, 
will continue through eternity. He left them 
in July, 1816, intending to visit the western 
country, and uncertain whether he would re- 
turn to Augusta. Mrs. Smelt requested an 
interest in his prayers, but particularly that 
he would remember her beloved Caroline at 
a throne of grace ; and she yet feels a pleas- 
ing confidence that he did not forget her 
request. 

Shortly after this, the Presbyterian church 
of Augusta being then destitute of a pastor, 
Caroline retired to the country, to spend 
the residue of the summer about twelve miles 
from town. There, in the society of her 
sister-cousin, Cornelia Walker, she promised 
herself much satisfaction. She had enjoyed 
this retreat but a few days when she was at- 
tacked with a slight indisposition, but which 
continued until the month of October. Dur- 
ing this indisposition both her parents were 
frequently with her. Her mother observed, 
with deep concern, the decline of her Caro- 
line's health ; but neither she nor Dr. Smelt 
could discover any symptoms to justify an 
apprehension of immediate danger. She 
was not confined, nor did she complain of 
any thing but want of appetite, and conse- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 37 

quent debility. Her parents knew her at- 
tachment to study, and advised her to exer- 
cise more in the open air ; to put away, for 
the present, her books, globes, maps, &c. and 
to substitute walking, riding, and swinging, 
until her strength should be restored. She 
complied with their wishes, and in a few 
weeks appeared considerably improved in 
health, but not entirely well. 

Her aunt Walker, who was daily with her, 
had taken up an idea that Caroline's mind or 
heart was not at ease. She mentioned this 
to Mrs. Smelt, who could not think so, as 
the beloved of her bosom had never concealed 
any thing from her knowledge which had in- 
terested herself in the smallest degree. Mrs. 
Walker then said to Mrs. Smelt, with appa- 
rent concern, "Sister, I wili give you my 
reasons for thinking you may be mistaken." 
Mrs. Smelt, feeling well assured that her sis- 
ter was influenced by the purest motives of 
affection to them both, desired her to do so. 
She then stated that Caroline's conduct to- 
wards her beloved cousin Cornelia was much 
changed; and that, although she was still 
kind and obliging, yet she was not as fond 
of her society as formerly ; would frequently 
appear to avoid her, and walk alone rather 
than have her company ; that she was in the 
habit of retiring to her room, and remaining 
there alone for two or three hours at a time ; 
that Cornelia had noticed it, and more than 
D 



38 MEMOIRS OF 

once had said to her cousin, that she could 
not account for such a change in her deport- 
ment ; to which Caroline had replied, with 
her usual sweetness of temper, that she was 
conscious of no diminution of affection for 
her, but that she felt it good to be alone some- 
times. Mrs. Walker farther added, that 
when Mrs. Smelt was not there, Caroline 
was often unusually pensive ; but when she 
(Mrs. Smelt) was present, there was a great 
difference observable ; that but a few days 
before, she (Mrs. W.) had entered Caroline's 
room, and found her writing; that on ap- 
proaching the table where she sat, Caroline 
suddenly gathered up her papers, and hold- 
ing them in her hand, observed, with a smile, 
" Aunt Walker, you have given me a little 
surprise." Mrs. W. then asked her to let 
her see what she had been writing, and to 
whom ; but with this request she did not 
comply, and said she had merely been scrib- 
bling a little for her own amusement. Mrs. 
Walker farther mentioned to her sister, that 
the roll which Caroline held in her hand was 
as large as a quire of paper, but she saw only 
the outside of it. 

After receiving this information, without 
any alarm, Mrs. Smelt had an opportunity of 
seeing the roll. She found it in a very se- 
cret place, and its contents afforded her sincere 
satisfaction. It was nothing more or less 
than a diary, or breathings after divine grace. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 39 

In the presence of Mrs. Walker she read it, 
and they both concluded not to let Caroline 
know that they had seen it ; but to return it 
to its proper place, and let her continue it 
without interruption. But it was never seen 
by either of them afterwards. During Caro- 
line's last illness, her mother informed her 
of these particulars, and inquired after the 
manuscripts ; to whom she replied that she 
had destroyed it, not supposing that her 
youthful effusions could be interesting to any 
one. 

She returned home from the country late 
in October, her health being considerably 
improved, yet still rather feeble. The 
church which she had usually attended was 
still destitute of a pastor. She was soon 
surrounded by her gay young friends, and 
an extensive acquaintance ; but she seemed 
resolved not to be allured into what she then 
considered to be criminal amusements, and 
took a decided stand against them. Within 
a few weeks after her return, the Rev. Mr. J. 
again visited Augusta, and was prevailed on 
to tarry there six or eight months. Caroline 
now regularly attended on his ministry, and 
appeared to grow in the knowledge and love 
of evangelical truth. Doctor Smelt's family 
were frequently favoured with the social 
visits of their pastor ; and a pleasing hope 
was once more entertained by Mrs. Smelt, 
that her Caroline would soon make a profes- 



40 MEMOIRS OF 

sion of her faith in Christ. She could sel- 
dom prevail on her daughter to converse free- 
ly about herself. Whenever this subject was 
touched upon, which lay nearest to her heart, 
tears would begin to flow without one word 
accompanying them. 

In the course of the winter, Caroline 
engaged in a Scripture-class, composed of 
young ladies, for the improvement of their 
knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. This 
institution was projected and patronized by 
Mr. J., and was of incalculable advantage 
to Caroline. During the winter, she re- 
sisted every invitation and solicitation to 
attend the dancing assemblies, except one ; 
and but once did she attend the theatre. On 
her return from the ball, she informed her 
mother that she had made a solemn resolution 
never to attend another. This she carefully 
kept, and never did attend another ball ; 
though she frequently engaged in private par- 
ties, but seldom, if ever, with her own con- 
sent. 

About this time Mrs. Smelt felt unusually 
exercised about the eternal welfare of her 
daughter, and frequently retired with her to 
hold secret prayer. She felt oppressed with 
apprehensions for the life of her child, and to 
many of her friends expressed a fear that she 
should lose her soon. To one she said, "I 
fear that the worm is already in the root of 
my gourd : I feel an awful presentiment that 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 41 

my Caroline will descend to an early tomb." 
To another she said, " O that my child were 
but right in the sight of the Lord ; I should 
then feel more comfortable, and less reluctant 
to part with her." To a pious friend she 
frequently mentioned her apprehensions, and 
entreated him to lay her case before the Lord. 
She saw that Caroline was serious, that she 
had very correct views of religion, was re- 
markably tender, and read the Scriptures ; 
she had also good reason to believe that she 
was attentive to secret devotion. She listen- 
ed attentively to pious instructions, while the 
tears would flow down her cheeks ; but she 
never could draw her out in conversation, so 
as to obtain a knowledge of her views as it 
respected herself, nor could any of her pious 
friends succeed any better. 

She was asked several times by her mo- 
ther, why she observed so much reserve on 
this all-important subject, and could be so 
communicative on any other ? She once re- 
plied, " My dear mamma, I have no confi- 
dence in myself; I hope to do that which 
is right when I shall have more experience. 
I desire to belong to the little flock, but I am 
too unstable." On another occasion she said 
to her mother, "I was very much impressed 
under the discourse of Mr. J. last Sabbath, 
and thought that he was preaching to me ex- 
clusively. I felt very solemn, and made a 
number of good resolutions, and hoped I 
d 2 



42 MEMOIRS OF 

should be able to keep them : I thought that 
I would, and determined to begin that day ; 
but, alas ! I had scarcely left the church, 
when I was surrounded by a number of my 
gay young friends, several of whom walked 
home with me, and introduced a great deal 
of small light chat; *and, before I reached 
home, I found all the solemnity occasioned 
by the sermon so nearly effaced, that scarce- 
ly an impression was left. I feel very guilty 
as it is, but if I were a professing Christian, 
what dishonour should I bring on the church !" 
The winter and spring passed away with- 
out any very remarkable occurrence. One 
circumstance, however, seems worthy of no- 
tice, as it was referred to afterwards. Some 
time late in that winter, Mr. J. accompanied 
by a minister of the gospel, who was a stran- 
ger, came to Doctor Smelt's house, in order 
to spend the evening with the family. In 
the course of the conversation, Mrs. Smelt 
mentioned some of the difficulties which she 
had experienced when she was about to be 
made a subject of the new birth. Caroline 
had often heard of those difficulties before, 
and always discovered much sensibility on 
such occasions ; but this evening she ap- 
peared unusually impressed, insomuch that 
she took no part in the conversation after- 
wards. Mr. J. observing that she was de- 
jected, approached her seat, and with affec- 
tionate solicitude said to her, "Miss Caro- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 43 

line, you must not be discouraged at what 
your mamma has stated ; the Lord, I hope, 
will draw you by the cords of love. Very 
few experience such severe exercises of 
mind as she did." He then put into her 
hand a small religious tract, which she read 
before she retired to rest, and which appeared 
to comfort her, though she said nothing. 
Doctor Smelt being on a visit to a sick lady 
in the country, and Caroline intending that 
night to sleep with her mother, the latter 
considered it a good opportunity to converse 
freely with her daughter on the necessity of 
obtaining a saving interest in Christ. Caro- 
line wept ; they went to prayer ; she sobbed 
aloud, but still said nothing. After retiring 
to bed, neither of them could sleep until a 
very late hour. 

From this period Mrs. Smelt discovered a 
great change in her child : she was often 
pensive ; attached herself more closely to her 
mother than before, and appeared more dis- 
gusted with the world than ever ; more anx- 
ious for religious instruction, and more zeal- 
ous in the performance of every duty. 

Her birth-day arrived ; she was sixteen 
years old. Mr. J. called in on that day to 
visit the family. Before leaving the house, 
he engaged in prayer, and particularly on 
behalf of Caroline. She was much agi- 
tated, but still observed her usual taciturnity. 
Twelve months afterwards, precisely at the 



44 MEMOIRS OF 

same hour of the day, he was engaged in 
preaching her funeral sermon ! 

A few months before this, Doctor Smelt 
and his family had changed their residence, 
in order that their dwelling-house might 
undergo some repairs. Caroline began to 
express her anxiety to return to the house in 
which she was born : she said she was at- 
tached to every part of it, but particularly to 
one room ; she longed to occupy that. Hear- 
ing her frequently express a desire to see the 
house finished, that they might return to it, 
her mother said to her, " What has become 
of your patience, my child ? The work can- 
not go on faster than it does." She replied, 
" O mamma ! I wish to take possession of 
my own little room, it is so sweetly adapted 
to study and contemplation : and then I shall 
be on the same story with you and papa, and 
we can so conveniently visit each other's 
apartments ; for I want always to be near 
you." 

In a short time she was gratified, and took 
possession of this favourite apartment. Her 
health was better than usual ; indeed, her pa- 
rents considered her perfectly well, and all 
things appeared to go on prosperously for a 
few weeks. 

It was now the month of July, the sickly 
season approaching fast, and Mr. J. their 
pastor about to set out for the north, to visit 
his relations and recruit his own health. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 45 

These united considerations contributed to 
depress the mind of Mrs. Smelt. She was 
still impressed with a presentiment that some 
great trouble awaited her in a short time ; and 
she could not banish the apprehension from 
her mind, that the loss of her only living 
child would be that trouble. The prospect 
of such an event was so distressing, that she 
mentioned her uneasiness to several friends, 
and to Mr. J. in particular, and became more 
than ever engaged for the eternal welfare of 
her daughter. 

Mr. J. called to take leave of the family 
before his departure. After he left the 
house, Mrs. Smelt retired and left Caroline 
in the room by herself. On her mother's re- 
turn, she was found sitting in the same spot 
where she had been left, still holding a book 
in her hand which she had just received as a 
parting gift from her pastor. She appeared 
much dejected. Her mother seated herself 
by her, and entered into a detail of the advan- 
tages that might result from their acquaint- 
ance with Mr. J. if they followed his coun- 
sels, and improved them as they ought. 
Caroline then expressed her deep regret that 
the church would again be shut up, and 
wished that Mr. J. could have been pre- 
vailed on to stay the year out ; for she was 
very sure he could not be more wanted any- 
where else. 



46 MEMOIRS OF 

While the Presbyterian house of worship 
was shut up, Mrs. Smelt and her daughter 
determined to attend the Methodist chapel, 
the worthy pastor of that congregation being 
a man of exalted piety. For several Sab- 
baths they attended the Sunday-school, which 
afforded Caroline the highest satisfaction : 
she resolved to make application for instruct- 
ing a female class, but on the 13th of August 
her mother was taken sick, and she never af- 
terwards had an opportunity. 

When Mrs. Smelt was taken ill, the first 
symptoms gave reason to believe that she 
would have a severe attack. The fever 
which had appeared in the city was raging 
with great violence. She had been much ex- 
posed to it, and for four or five days and 
nights previous to her attack she had been 
sitting up, and attending to an orphan child, 
who died that evening, in the fourteenth 
year of her age. Finding herself unwell, and 
the child dying, she returned home, stated 
the little sufferer's situation to her daughter, 
but did not mention her own symptoms. 
Caroline expressed a desire to see the dying 
orphan, as she had never seen any person die. 
Apprehensive that she might take the fever, 
or be greatly alarmed, her mother hesitated : 
at length she committed her to the care of 
a merciful God, and, with uncommon fer- 
vour, implored that He would sanctify this 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 47 

visit to the chamber of death to the heart of 
her beloved daughter. The result evinced 
that her prayers were heard and answered. 

Caroline went; the distance was only to 
the next door. She stayed some time ; re- 
turned, and reported the little girl to be in 
convulsive agonies. She could not stay to 
see the end ; such sufferings she had never 
before witnessed. She was bathed in tears, 
and overwhelmed with sorrow : her fears 
were immediately excited on her mother's 
account, because she saw that she was ill. 
She afterwards informed her mother that she 
had never tasted the bitterness of sorrow 
until that night ; that her soul was in deep 
anguish, and her heart near bursting. On 
this occasion her appearance was peculiarly 
interesting. She requested permission to sit 
up with her mother, that she might adminis- 
ter to her comfort through the night ; but, 
out of tenderness towards her, this request 
was denied her. Mrs. Smelt did not think 
it necessary ; and the doctor (her father) 
considered that it would be a very improper 
exposure of her own health, and insisted 
on her going to bed. After using various 
arguments in order to gain her point, but 
without effect, she retired ; but not to sleep. 

About an hour afterwards she entered her 
mother's room, holding a candle in her hand, 
trembling and pale. Her mother was alarm- 
ed. Caroline addressed her father thus : 



48 MEMOIRS OF 

" My dear papa, I have complied with your 
wishes in retiring to my room ; but sleep I 
cannot. I felt reluctant to disturb you, or 
disobey your kind commands ; but, O papa ! 
I cannot rest while my blessed mamma is 
suffering. I thought just now I heard her 
groan, and feared she was getting worse. I 
could no longer keep from her. How should 
my conscience acquit me before God, were I 
to omit a single duty to such a mother ?" She 
then approached her mother, and inquired 
affectionately how she was. Mrs. Smelt re- 
plied that she felt much better, and that she 
had been mistaken as to the groan — begged 
her to be composed, and try to get some 
sleep. Caroline replied that that was impos- 
sible, with her feelings ; that all she desired 
was to sit by her mother's bedside, and be 
ready to perform any little office she might 
require through the night ; and entreated her 
papa not to ask her to return to her room 
again. 

Her parents found that she was too much 
agitated for them to insist any longer, and 
she was desired to lie down by her mother's 
side. It was not thought that she slept any ; 
for frequently through the night her hand 
was found gently resting on the cheek of her 
mamma, in order to discover if the fever was 
abating. About daylight, her parents as- 
sured her that her mother was much better, 
and clear of fever ; and both united in re- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 49 

questing her to retire to her own bed, and en- 
deavour to get a little sleep before breakfast. 
In conformity to their wishes she retired, 
and about an hour afterwards came down 
stairs quite composed, and with a smile on 
her countenance. Her mother from that time 
was convalescent, and Caroline showed the 
most devoted attention to her, and the most 
affectionate solicitude for her recovery : she 
appeared desirous to do every thing for her — 
to administer medicine, give her nourish- 
ment, adjust her pillows, &c. nor would she 
willingly leave her. Mrs. Smelt, although 
her symptoms were favourable, yet felt great 
depression of spirits. Caroline perceived it, 
and tried every way to comfort her : she 
would say, st My dear mamma, you will 
get well; I feel a happy assurance that you 
will recover" To this Mrs. Smelt replied, 
" You may be mistaken ; and you are one of 
my greatest causes of distress." — " Why so, 
my dear mamma?" said Caroline. " Be- 
cause (said Mrs. Smelt) I have never dis- 
charged my duty as a responsible mother, in 
the way in which I ought to have done it ; 
and I fear that, at the bar of God, I will be 
found awfully delinquent. — I have not been 
as much engaged for your eternal welfare, as 
for the perishing things of time. And now, 
should I be removed, how soon may you 
forget the feeble instructions I have given 
vou ! Whereas, had I been more zealously 
E 



50 MEMOIRS OF 

engaged in pointing out to you the way that 
leads to eternal happiness, I might have 
hoped that the Lord would not only acquit 
me, but take you under his special care in 
this life, and in his own good time receive 
you to himself." 

Caroline then burst into tears, drew near 
to her mother, and with great feeling said, 
" My dear mamma, you will stand acquitted. 
What could you have done that you have 
not done to bring me to Christ? If I 
have been inflexible, that is not your 
fault. I am truly distressed to think I 
should occasion you one uneasy moment. 
I desire to comfort you. O ! tell me not 
that you feel any condemnation on my 
account : indeed you are clear of my blood ; 
and I hope you will live to see me all you so 
ardently desire. I am not so graceless, per- 
haps, as you may suppose. The Lord has 
been striving with me for many years, and I 
have not been entirely thoughtless. No, in- 
deed ; for I have long wished for an interest 
in the great atonement. I have long desired 
to become one of the little flock ; but I feared 
I was too inexperienced, too ignorant, too un- 
stable, and too unworthy to make a public 
profession of my faith in Christ. O mamma ! 
I have long wished to tell you what was 
passing in my heart ; but I feared to excite 
hopes in your affectionate breast which 
might never be realized, and the greater con- 






CAROLINE E. SMELT. 51 

demnation would be my portion. But I 
have now come to a decided stand. It may 
give you some comfort to hear some of my 
late exercises. I feel as if I could no longer 
keep them a secret from you. I ought to 
have told you them before, and you would 
have strengthened me. I felt this the other 
night, when I thought I should lose you ; and 
I then determined that, if the Lord spared 
your life, you should know all. O ! I see 
in the hour of sore distress, that all created 
comforts are but broken reeds ; that if we 
have not God for our friend, 'vain is the 
help of man.' This I realized in the night 
when you were taken sick. It was the first 
time I ever tasted the bitterness of real sor- 
row. I had been that afternoon and even- 
ing much exercised at the dying bed of our 
little friend. I never had such feelings in all 
my life — I viewed with horror the change in 
her countenance — I saw her struggles — the 
sight was more than I could bear : I said, 
' Is this death ? He is indeed the king of 
terrors.' I was about to hasten home. I 
stopped a little longer — I thought I would 
summon fortitude to stay and see the end. 
A convulsion came on — I was exceedingly 
alarmed — I thought I must retire ; but in an 
instant it occurred to me, that / too would 
have to die; and if every one who might be 
around my dying couch, should act towards 
me as I was about to do towards her, not one 



52 MEMOIRS OF 

would have firmness enough to see my end— - 
and how should I feel to be deserted at such 
an awful moment? I prayed for strength to 
enable me to stay and be useful, and that the 
whole scene might be sanctified to my soul. 
I felt more composed, and strove to do some 
acts of kindness to the poor little girl 
tried to fan her, and to wipe the cold drops 
from her face ; but my nerves were too fee- 
ble, and my agitation too great to do any 
thing. I sat down and meditated on what 
was passing. I felt concerned for the soul 
of the child. She had entered on her four- 
teenth year — I thought her at an accountable 
age. She had been brought up in Christian 
principles ; but, during her tedious illness, 
had not uttered one pious expression, one 
holy desire, but had manifested great alarm 
at the idea of death — and, until deprived of 
speech, had expressed strong hopes or a firm 
belief that she should recover. I felt deep 
regret that this was the case with too many 
that were older than she, I then asked my- 
self this question, had you been called to such 
a bed as this, would you have been ready 
or willing to go ? The answer was, No» 
I felt at that moment as if death were armed 
with ten thousand terrors. O ! how fervent- 
ly did I desire that the Lord would not call 
me till I was made fit for his acceptance. I 
wanted to feel that love that casteth out fear \ 
but I was tempest tossed, and could realize 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 53 

nothing that was comfortable. I returned 
home melancholy and oppressed, and found 
you had retired to bed with a high fever. 
My heart was overwhelmed with apprehen- 
sions for your life and my own soul. I could 
not conceal my distress. Papa tjiought I 
would alarm you, and insisted on my going 
to bed. I was compelled to retire, but sleep 
I could not. When I entered my room, I 
prostrated myself at the footstool of mercy. 

! how I entreated the Lord to spare your 
precious life — and to seal me his own for 
ever. I felt as if no power on earth could 
relieve me. Some such reflections as these 
then passed through my mind : — You see 
now what a vain bubble this world is ; what 
a change have a few hours made in your 
feelings ; and a few more may produce still 
greater. You may lose your mother, and 
what will become of you then? who will 
guide your erring footsteps ? who will give 
you sweet counsel? who will sooth and com- 
fort you in the hour of sickness as she has 
done? With a bursting heart, I answered, 
No one. My agitation increased violently — 

1 could not lay my troubles before you. I 
was alone — and, for the first time in my life, 
I felt deserted. The fear that I should lose 
you was uppermost. I saw that I deserved 
chastisement, and felt the frowns of Provi- 
dence which I had deserved. At that mo- 
ment I thought I heard you groan — I could 

e 2 



54 MEMOIRS OF 

no longer keep from you — I ran down stairs, 
and entreated papa to let me remain with 
you. He kindly consented ; and the residue 
of the night was spent in prayer to God, and 
serious reflections ; for I could not sleep. I 
sometimes thought I would give worlds, if I 
possessed them, to know that the Lord was 
my friend. I clearly saw that no power but 
his could deliver me ; and that it was vain to 
expect relief from any other quarter. I felt 
as if the world would contain nothing that 
could afford me any consolation, if you were 
removed; and particularly, I should never 
forgive myself for not having improved, as I 
ought, the many lessons of useful instruction 
you had given me. 

" My thoughts often recurred to the dying 
child. I said, what is all the world to her 
now ? she cannot swallow so much as one 
cup of cold water. I may soon see my mo- 
ther in the same situation ; I may soon be in 
the same condition myself. O ! that I could 
feel the benign influence of the religion of 
the Saviour ; for there is nothing but this 
that can sustain us in the hour of affliction. 

"In the morning I was much comforted 
to hear you say you were better. You de- 
sired me to be composed, to retire to my own 
room, and try to get some sleep before break- 
fast. I retired ; but not to sleep. I took 
with me your small Bible. When I entered 
my room, I bowed on my knees and poured 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 55 

out my soul in prayer to my heavenly Fa- 
ther. I felt comforted. I then made a so- 
lemn promise that, if the Lord would spare 
your life, I would engage with my whole 
heart to serve Him the residue of my days on 
earth, by the aid of his heavenly grace — that 
I would never again engage in worldly amuse- 
ments, nor do any thing, willingly, to grieve 
his Holy Spirit. I then prayed for some 
manifestation of my being a child of God, if 
I were one indeed. After which I opened 
the Bible, and the first passage which pre- 
sented itself to my view was Nahum's pro- 
phecy, chapter 1st and verse 7th. These 
are the words : ' The Lord is good, a strong 
hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth 
them that trust in him.' Oh what comfort 
did I at that moment receive? It was the 
first Scripture promise that I had ever been 
able to apply to myself. I immediately felt 
such an assurance that you would recover, 
and that the Lord had heard and would an- 
swer my prayers, that I have not had a sin- 
gle doubt since on that subject. I soon felt 
such sweet composure, attended with grati- 
tude and love to my heavenly Father, that 
I returned to you quite a different creature, 
and have been able to attend upon you ever 
since, without any of those poignant sensa- 
tions that overwhelmed me on the first night 
of your attack. I am resolved to devote my- 
self to the service of this gracious Being — 



56 MEMOIRS OF 

He is worthy to be served. My confidence, 
my hope is, that I may be enabled to serve 
him acceptably. My dear mamma, take 
comfort ; do not allow your faith to become 
weak. I hope you will not have it to say 
again that I am a source of unhappiness to 
you. I cannot bear that reflection. Oh pray 
for me ! and I hope the Lord will soon make 
me one of his own dear children, and a rich 
blessing to you." 

This communication from Caroline ope- 
rated as a healing ■ balm to her mother's 
whole system. They conversed freely from 
day to day. Caroline appeared to throw off 
all restraint in conversing with her mother 
on the subject of experimental religion ; and, 
in the course of five or six days, Mrs. Smelt 
was restored to a comfortable measure of 
health. 

Caroline now appeared to attach herself 
to her mother more than ever ; seemed re- 
luctant to leave her, even to attend to com- 
mon duties ; would often invite her into her 
room in order to have social conversation, or 
that they might read to each other. When 
Mrs. Smelt was obliged to leave her, she 
would entreat her to return as soon as pos- 
sible ; and on returning, her mother would 
frequently find her reading the Scriptures. 

A short time before she was taken sick, 
she engaged with two other ladies to make a 
collection for the poor. Very many of that 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 57 

class in the city -bounds were in great afflic- 
tion, and required some public effort to be 
made for their relief. On the morning of that 
day on which they were to commence their 
benevolent operations, she hesitated — indeed 
shed tears, and said that she felt such reluc- 
tance and timidity, she wished to be excused. 
Her father and mother both gave her every 
encouragement ; desired her to lay aside her 
fears, and to look only at the magnitude and 
importance of the object. She wiped away 
her tears, summoned up resolution to go 
forth, and in a few hours they collected more 
than six hundred dollars from the charitable 
inhabitants of the city. When Caroline saw 
the success which had attended this their first 
effort of the kind, she said, " Well, mamma, 
how delightful is the path of duty ! My poor 
timid nature shrunk from the task before 
me this morning ; and, if you and papa had 
not encouraged me as you did, I should have 
stayed at home and done nothing for the poor 
this day. I am now thankful that I went, 
though I am very sure I did not aid the cause 
much ; for / asked but one person to con- 
tribute his mite, and that was an intimate 
acquaintance. I carried the purse, and left 
all the begging to the other two ladies. 
However, I feel pleasant this evening in re- 
flecting on the events of the day, and hope I 
may be more useful in future." She ap- 



58 



MEMOIRS OF 



peared in better health than usual from this 
period, to the day on which she was attacked 
with the fatal fever which terminated her life. 
Indeed, her health for several preceding 
months had been considered by her parents 
as being very good. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 59 

PART THIRD. 

Containing an account of her last sickness and death. 

On the morning of the 28th of August, 
somewhat more than a fortnight after her 
painful exercises about her mother, Caro- 
line was sitting in her own room, in cheerful 
conversation with her mother and another 
female friend. She, after some time, laid 
down her sewing, and walked into her mo- 
ther's room. Mrs. Smelt, finding that her 
daughter did not return immediately, after 
some delay, followed her and found her ex- 
tended on the bed. She observed that Caro- 
line looked very pale, and inquired the 
cause. Caroline very calmly replied that 
she felt very unwell — that she had been 
seized with a sudden vertigo ; that she found 
the bed a very timely relief, for she could not 
balance herself; that she then felt much bet- 
ter, and would soon get up. Mrs. Smelt 
then called her husband, the doctor, into the 
room, who examined her pulse, and applied 
some volatiles to his daughter's head ; after 
which she was soon so much relieved as to 
be able to get up, dress herself, and join the 
family at dinner in her usual spirits. But, 
in the course of that night, a most violent 



60 MEMOIRS OF 

fever came on, which was never perfectly 
subdued. 

On the 29th of August, she was all the day 
under the active operation of medicine, and 
oppressed with much pain; but manifested 
the most exemplary patience and submis- 
sion. 

On the 30th, she was bled, took more 
medicine, but without any relief perceivable 
by herself or those around her ; the fever still 
continuing very high. 

August 31st. Her fever still continued 
very high. The operation of bleeding was 
this day repeated. Her sufferings to-day 
were very great ; but not a single complaint 
escaped her lips, nor did she discover the 
least alarm ; although it was the first time in 
her life that she had ever been confined a 
whole day to her bed, and the first attack of 
fever she had ever experienced. 

September 1st. This was a day never to 
be forgotten by Mrs. Smelt: her feelings 
were such as cannot be described — no lan- 
guage can convey an adequate idea of them. 
She saw her child ill, and feared the worst. 
She strove repeatedly to entreat the Lord to 
spare her daughter's life ; but seemed as if 
she could not pray. At length she pros- 
trated herself before God, time after time, 
and implored the God of mercy to wash her 
child in the blood of the Lamb ; and if she 
were about to be removed by death, to enable 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 61 

her to leave her friends some comforting 
token of her acceptance with God. The 
mother's agonies were great and distressing 
on this subject. She pleaded for this bless- 
ing to her daughter, in the name and for the 
sake of the blessed Redeemer. She pleaded 
various promises in the word of God. At 
length she promised that if the Lord would 
be gracious to the soul of her child, she 
would give her up without a murmur. To- 
wards evening she was more composed, had 
stronger faith; but her daughter was no 
better. 

Caroline was sensible of her mother's dis- 
tress, and said all she could to comfort her. 
The friends, as well as the physicians who 
were present, were surprised to see her so 
composed and submissive. They ascribed 
this, in a great degree, to her tenderness for 
her mother. 

On the second day of September, her 
symptoms exhibited no favourable change ; 
but Mrs. Smelt's confidence in the Lord was 
now strong. She was not now pleading for 
the life of her beloved daughter, but for the 
salvation of her soul. Throughout this day 
Caroline appeared tranquil — read a portion 
of God's word, as she generally did during 
her confinement ; or, when too ill, her mo- 
ther read for her, but this day she read for 
herself. In the course of the day, Mrs. Smelt 
said to her, " My dear Caroline, you are now 
F 



62 MEMOIRS OF 

on the bed of affliction ; I hope you do not 
neglect to call upon the Lord." She replied, 
"Oh mamma! do you think I could neglect 
so important a duty ?" 

In the afternoon some friends called to see 
her. She did not converse much, but was to 
appearance entirely calm. When they were 
about to leave the house, Mrs. Smelt accom- 
panied them to the door. Having felt an 
unusual degree of peace and comfort all that 
day, she detained one of the ladies for a few 
moments, to converse about Caroline's case, 
and her own views of the subject. They 
had not stood long, before she was informed 
by a servant that her daughter wanted her. 
She hastened to her ; and as she approached 
her bedside, Caroline addressed her in these 
words, "My dear mamma! I do not want 
you to leave me at all ; you are such a rich 
blessing to me, that I wish to have you con- 
stantly in view." 

Mrs. Smelt then sat down, and was re- 
quested by her to read a portion of Scripture ; 
which was done. She then said, " My dear 
mamma, I have been much disturbed in mind 
to-day ; but I felt reluctant to oppress you with 
more trouble than you have already, and there- 
fore forbore telling you. But I cannot conceal 
it any longer." Her mother then invited her 
to tell her all. She said that she had all 
day been disturbed by this passage of Scrip- 
ture, " The harvest is past, the summer is 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 63 

ended, and we are not saved." "It is con- 
tinually in my mind, and fills me with dread- 
ful apprehensions." Mrs. Smelt then ob- 
served, " If that passage gives my darling 
distress, let your mother direct you to a 
few of the precious promises," and then re- 
peated the following: " Come unto me, all 
ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest." "Ask, and it shall be 
given you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, 
and it shall be opened unto you." She said 
she felt oppressed with a sense of sin. Her 
mother then repeated, " Though your sins be 
as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; 
though they be red like crimson, they shall 
be as wool." 

Mrs. Smelt, observing her to be much 
agitated at that time, was enabled with great 
energy to say to her, " My beloved daughter, 
the Lord says, ' Turn ye to the strong hold, 
ye prisoners of hope ; even to-day do I de- 
clare that I will render double unto thee. 9 
This promise is sent to you, my child, as 
certainly as it was sent to me, many years 
ago." She replied, " Do you think so, my 
mother?" Her mother assured her that it 
was her belief. She then requested her mo- 
ther to pray with her. A female friend being 
present, they kneeled by her bedside, and 
addressed a throne of grace in her behalf. 
The necessity of exercising a lively faith in 
the merits of the Redeemer was then strongly 



64 MEMOIRS OF 

urged upon her. She said she wanted to 
feel that she had an interest in Christ — that 
she feared she had never been regenerated ; 
repeating, " except a man be born again, he 
cannot enter into the kingdom of God." 
" O that I could know that I had passed 
through the new birth." Her mother begged 
her to look to the compassionate Saviour, and 
be comforted. 

After some short time, Caroline said, 
" Let perfect silence be observed, and do you, 
my mother, engage with me in silent prayer 
to God for a manifestation of his acceptance 
of my immortal soul." They then com- 
menced their silent devotions ; and in about 
half an hour afterwards Doctor Smelt entered 
the room, felt her pulse, and said, " My dear 
Caroline, I have just been called upon to 
visit, in consultation, a sick lady in our 
neighbourhood. I will be absent only fifteen 
or twenty minutes. You must not be un- 
easy ; for you have less fever than you had 
at this time yesterday ; and I hope you will 
have a very comfortable night." Her hands 
were still clasped, nor had she opened her 
eyes while he addressed her. Supposing her 
silence to be a mark of her disapprobation of 
his leaving her for a few moments, her father 
said, in a tone of affection, " You do not 
wish me to go, Caroline ?" She then spoke 
and said, " O yes, go, papa ; but do not stay 
longer than you can possibly help." He then 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 65 

left the room, and she was still observed to 
continue her .devotion. 

Every thing remained in perfect silence 
until her father returned, which was about 
twenty minutes afterwards. He entered the 
room, found her in the same attitude in which 
he had left her, but a most alarming change 
in her pulse. He hastily threw himself into 
an easy-chair near her bedside, and mani- 
fested great emotion. He then inquired if it 
was not time for the visiting physicians to 
call. Mrs. Smelt, seeing her husband so much 
alarmed, felt greatly agitated indeed, but was 
enabled to conceal her concern in a consider- 
able degree. All things remained thus for 
a few minutes longer. Mrs. Smelt could 
not pray connectedly ; but broken aspira- 
tions and ejaculatory petitions were con- 
tinually issuing and ascending from her 
heart. 

At length silence was interrupted by a 
knock at the door. Dr. Smelt rose, and ob- 
served that he sincerely hoped the doctors 
had come ; thought he would again feel his 
daughter's pulse before he should see the 
gentlemen ; but just as he was about to apply 
his fingers to her wrist, he was arrested by 
her voice, which was raised in the softest and 
most melodious notes of thanksgiving and 
praise to God and to the Lamb, for the clear, 
the undoubted manifestation of divine love 
which she had at that moment received, and 
F 2 



66 MEMOIRS OF 

which filled her mind " with joy unspeakable 
and full of glory." She continued in audible 
devout exercises, addressed to her God and 
Saviour, for perhaps more than half an hour. 

In the mean time two physicians had en- 
tered ; but they, as well as her parents, were 
overwhelmed with astonishment. Caroline 
was too much absorbed in pious contempla- 
tions to notice any person who was then 
about her. The medical gentlemen then ap- 
proached the bed, and felt her pulse. Her 
father was deeply affected, and has since de- 
clared it was the most awful moment of his 
life ; for he at first thought her brain had be- 
come affected by a sudden translation of the 
disease to that part ; but in a short time he 
was convinced that this was not the fact. 

When her mind returned to the considera- 
tion of the objects around her, the first per- 
son whom Caroline noticed was her father. 
In the presence of all in the room at that 
time, she told him what the Lord had done 
for her soul ; that he had baptized her with 
the Holy Ghost ; that she had wrestled in 
prayer only one short hour for the blessing, 
when she received it ; whereas, father Jacob 
strove one whole night. Here her delighted 
heart broke forth again in the sublimest 
strains of gratitude to free and sovereign 
grace for the ransom of her soul. It is a 
source of regret that no adequate idea can be 
here communicated of the purity, fervour, 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 67 

and sublimity of this part of her exercises. 
In short, unless they had been penned down 
at the time, the one half could not be recol- 
lected. It is affirmed by all who were pre- 
sent, that they never heard or read of any 
thing more angelic. 

She did not forget poor sinners while the 
smiles of heaven were upon her face, and 
the love of God was shed abroad in her heart. 
No ; she engaged in audible prayer for all 
who were present ; particularly for her be- 
loved father, who was first mentioned, then 
her absent sister-cousin, Cornelia Walker, 
then she affectionately remembered her mo- 
ther, then her kind physicians, two of whom 
were present, then her dear relatives, then 
the poor servants attached to her father's 
household. She also interceded for all the 
friends who had ever loved or been kind to 
her ; as also for her enemies, if she had any 
(she knew of none), then for the whole fami- 
ly of mankind, but more especially for the in- 
habitants of her native city ; and concluded, be- 
ing much exhausted, with a fervent address for 
the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 

Shortly afterwards she took a cordial mix- 
ture, which revived her strength for the 
moment, and was desired to speak no more 
that night. She replied, with a smile, " That 
is impossible ; for my tongue is loose, and 
my heart is full ; and I must speak my Re- 
deemer's praises." 



68 MEMOIRS OF 

Her father and the other attending physi- 
cians, having recovered a little from the un- 
usual state of mind excited by the scene 
which they had just witnessed, retired to 
another room, in order to hold a consultation 
on her case. It is said they all agreed that 
they had never felt such a pulse before ; and 
thought that, without a speedy change, her 
case would be decided before morning. It 
was then between eight and nine o'clock at 
night. Her father declared that, in the 
whole course of his practice, he had never 
witnessed so sudden a change : for when he 
left his daughter, in order to visit the sick 
lady, he considered her symptoms more fa- 
vourable than they had been, and by no 
means alarming; indeed, he had never 
thought of danger until his return ;. .when he 
was alarmed to find her pulse as quick as 
lightning, with a dry and very hot skin. He 
was sensibly shocked ; insomuch that from 
that night his mind became so much dis- 
turbed as to unfit him for the exercise of his 
judgment in her case. Within two days 
afterwards he was laid on a sick bed, from 
which he did not rise, except to make short 
visits to his beloved daughter, for several 
weeks. * 

While the physicians had withdrawn to 
another apartment for consultation, Mrs. Smelt 
remained with her daughter, accompanied 
only by a kind female friend, and two or 



CAROLINE E. SMELT, G9 

three faithful servants. Caroline then de- 
sired to embrace her mother, and said, " O 
my blessed mother ! how true was that pro- 
mise, The Lord will render double unto 
thee. How much you feel endeared to me ! 
I have long since thought that no daughter 
ever loved a mother more than I loved you ; 
but that was a selfish love. I now love you 
because Jesus loves you." Then, in a kind 
of ecstasy, she exclaimed, " Yes ! Jesus loves 
my blessed mother, and will comfort her; 
for oh ! he loves me, and will enable her to 
give me up." She then addressed the ser- 
vants in the most affectionate manner, a 
description or record of which cannot be 
attempted here. 

The physicians returned to the sick bed, 
intending to commence a change in the treat- 
ment of her case. To their great surprise 
they found a most astonishing alteration in 
her pulse : it had become regular, and less 
frequent, with a fine soft skin. This change 
had been more sudden than the former, and 
they were animated with fresh hopes. They 
resolved not to leave her that night, but to 
watch every turn or change which might en- 
sue in her disease. They did so ; and never 
did friends display more tender solicitude 
than they all did, not only through this night, 
but throughout the whole period of her ill- 
ness. She was never left, day or night, 
without the attendance of one, two, or more 



70 MEMOIRS OF 

of her medical friends. They remained with 
her, and evinced the affectionate concern of 
near relations : for which they had in return 
the prayers of their pious patient, and will 
ever be entitled to the gratitude and warmest 
affection of her bereaved parents. But to re- 
turn to her case. 

She was perfectly calm, but so disposed 
for exhortation, that her medical friends 
were compelled to tell her that she would do 
herself a material injury if she did not invite 
sleep. She reasoned the matter with them, 
and told them that in all things she would be 
submissive to their judgment, except in that 
one particular ; observing that she had but 
little time in which to work ; and that she 
must try to advance the Redeemer's cause 
while she was blessed with the powers of 
speech. She exhorted them individually, 
and then prayed for them collectively. They 
were sensibly affected, and wept freely. She 
continued to speak words of comfort to all 
around her, particularly to her father and 
mother, until it was near morning ; when she 
fell into a sweet sleep for about two hours. 
She awoke much refreshed, but with consi- 
derable fever. It was the third day of Sep- 
tember, and the sixth of her illness. It was 
thought an important crisis, and that she 
must be kept very quiet during that day ; but 
she entreated that some of her friends might 
be allowed to visit her. Indeed she desired 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 71 

to send for several, with whom she said she 
must converse : she was accordingly indulged 
in this desire. 

Through that and rive succeeding days she 
was almost exclusively engaged in prayer and 
praises to God, and admonitions to the many 
friends who called to see her. 

As yet she had given no particular descrip- 
tion of the manifestation which she had re- 
ceived ; but it was evident to all her pious 
friends who saw her, that the Lord was with 
her; and this greatly comforted them. 

It was remarked by all who visited her, 
that they never saw a countenance expres- 
sive of so much heavenly serenity, and such 
celestial beauty as appeared in hers during 
this and the succeeding part of her sickness. 
Her face frequently reminded some of her 
pious friends of what was said of the patri- 
arch Moses, when he came down from con- 
verse with his Maker on the mount ; for it 
indeed appeared to shine with sacred radi- 
ance, which suffered no change throughout 
her whole confinement. 

On Monday night, the 8th of September, 
her fever was very high, and her sufferings 
very great, she being extensively blistered; 
but still not a complaint escaped her lips. 
Several dear friends sat up with her that 
night. A little before midnight she became 
silent, and it was hoped that she had fallen 
asleep. She lay very quiet for some time, 



72 MEMOIRS OF 

perhaps an hour : she then spoke, and asked 
for her mother. Mrs. Smelt was sitting by 
her ; but the room had been somewhat dark- 
ened to favour sleep, and she did not at first 
distinguish her from her other friends. 

She then said, " My beloved mother, I 
have been praying that your faith may be 
strengthened, and that the Lord would com- 
fort you and my dear father." Her mother 
then embraced her, and desired her to try, if 
possible, to get a little sleep. To this request 
Caroline readily yielded obedience, and lay 
for a considerable time as if asleep. She 
then spoke audibly, and said, " Shadrach, 
Meshach, and Abednego passed through the 
fiery furnace, and not a half of their heads 
was singed ; for they loved God, and he was 
with them. I love him also, and he is with 
me. Oh ! my mother, the fever is high ; 
but the Lord will sustain me, and will bring 
me through like gold tried and purified. He 
has been very gracious to me to-night. I 
calculated on a very painful one, but I said no- 
thing ; knowing that my heavenly Father 
would not inflict one unnecessary pain, but 
would order all things well. Notwithstand- 
ing my faith was strong, I felt my feeble na- 
ture shrink from the idea of fresh blisters to 
my body, and cataplasms to my feet. And 
when my medical friends suggested the ne- 
cessity of their immediate application, I made 
no resistance ; for I had resolved, when I 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 73 

was first taken sick, to be a submissive pa- 
tient, if the Lord would strengthen me to 
improve the visitation to his honour. I knew 
that my dear father and mother would be much 
distressed ; that they would feel anxious that 
every effort should be made for my relief. 
How unkind — how undutiful then would it 
appear in me to disappoint their wishes, and 
increase their anxiety, by refusing- to use 
the appointed means. But when I heard the 
plan for the night, my heart sunk within me. 
In a few moments I was enabled to raise my 
soul in prayer to my heavenly Father. I pe- 
titioned for grace, divine grace, to sustain 
me. I immediately had such a view of my 
Redeemer's sufferings, that I felt willing — 
yea happy, to submit to any pain. When 
the blisters began to draw, I felt the anguish 
most sensibly : I raised my heart again in 
prayer, and in a very short time was enabled 
to say, with great sincerity, < Not my will, 
O heavenly Parent, but thine be done.' 1 
soon felt not only comfortable, but such a 
sweet composure of mind — so heavenly, so 
entirely peaceful, that I fell into a delightful 
sleep. When I awoke, I found those pre- 
cious lines of Dr. AVatts present to my me- 
mory : — 

" Jesus can make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are ; 
While on his breast I lean my head, 
And breathe my life out sweetly there. " 



74 MEMOIRS OF 

She continued, "O my mother ! I have 
had many comforts to-night that I did not 
expect. Among other blessings I have been 
favoured with a delightful vision." She 
then invited the friends who were in her 
room to draw near the bed, that they might 
all hear, for her voice was feeble. 

" In the first place, (said she,) I was much 
engaged, in the early part of the night, in 
prayer that my faith might not fail. I had 
not then been asleep. All at once I was car- 
ried, in imagination, to the sea-side. On a 
beautiful eminence, at some little distance, I 
saw a most magnificent house : it had many 
large windows most brilliantly illuminated, 
and the light emanating from them was dif- 
ferent from any I ever saw — it was a glori- 
ous light. I stood and viewed it with in- 
expressible pleasure. I wished to know 
who was the owner of the house ; and, in a 
moment, I was told that it was mine. This 
amazed me, for I saw no person ; but I was 
not alarmed, for I felt as if the Shepherd of 
Israel was not far off. In a short time a very 
dark cloud arose, and I apprehended a storm. 
It soon burst with great violence upon my 
house. The tempest increased. I said, 
' Those beautiful windows will be broken, 
even if the foundation stand.' At length I 
became concerned for the whole establish- 
ment. I prayed that my house might not be 
destroyed. I soon felt comforted to find that 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 75 

it sustained to injury ; and the darker the 
tempest, the brighter the light became. The 
storm subsided, and my house appeared to 
be adorned with new beauties. I thought it 
was a vision, and asked for an explanation : 
the answer was, ' The house is an emblem 
of your faith in Christ, which shall never 
be shaken, and which shall carry you trium- 
phantly through all your sufferings. Satan, 
the world, nor the flesh shall ever be able to 
injure your house ; for it is founded on the 
Rock of ages." 

The next morning she spoke much of 
death, and longed for its approach. She ad- 
monished many of her young friends, and 
entreated them to seek an interest in Christ, 
in preference to all other attainments. Be- 
lieving her departure to be very near, she 
took a solemn leave of many who visited her 
on that day. With a countenance beaming 
with divine love, and a voice most harmonious, 
she said to her mother, " O my beloved mo- 
ther ! weep not for me. My sufferings will 
soon terminate. Blessed be God ! who hath 
not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy 
from me. Through the blood of the cross, 
death is disarmed of all his terrors ; the 
grave, to which I am hastening, is deprived 
of all victory. Oh the boundless goodness 
of God ! thus to support a frail worm of the 
dust; for what is man, that he should be 
mindful of him ? or the son of man, that he 



76 MEMOIRS OF 

should visit him ? I am going — yes, I am 
going to that happy land so finely described 
by Dr. Watts ;" repeating the following lines 
with great emphasis : — 

"There is a land of pare delight, 
Where saints immortal reign ; 
Infinite day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain. 

" There everlasting spring abides, 
And never-with'ring flowers ; 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
This heavenly land from ours. 

44 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood 
Stand dress'd in living green ; 
So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 
While Jordan roll'd between." 

She did not finish the hymn, but addressed 
some young friends who had just entered the 
room : " You see before you, (said she,) a 
young, timid, delicate female, not yet seven- 
teen years old ; the only child of my beloved 
parents, surrounded with all the comforts of 
life, nurtured with peculiar tenderness, in 
the bosom of parental affection, from my ear- 
liest infancy, and always sheltered from the 
rude blasts of misfortune ; blessed with the 
friendship of an extensive acquaintance, and 
beloved by all my dear relations. I could 
add many other considerations calculated to 
attach me to this world ; but I can say, with 
holy joy, farewell to all ! Yea, I desire to de- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 77 

part and be with Christ, which is far better 
I am going to my Redeemer's kingdom: his 
arms are open to receive me. ! the incal- 
culable benefits resulting from the religion of 
Jesus, the once crucified, but now gloriously 
exalted Son of God. What but this, my 
friends, could sustain me in this trying hour ? 
My sensibility is not blunted ; my heart was 
formed for sympathy and the sweets of 
friendship. I am sensible of the sorrow 
which my departure will occasion in the 
breasts of those whom I tenderly love ; but I 
commit them to the care of One who is able 
to console them ; and who will, I trust, pre- 
pare them to join me in the regions of eter- 
nal glory, where we shall part no more. O ! 
my dear young friends, allow me to entreat 
you to embrace this religion. To a bed of 
death you will all have to come ; and at the 
bar of judgment you w r ill have to give an ac- 
count of all the deeds done by you in this 
world ; and if the Saviour is not then your 
friend, I tremble to think of your fate. O ! 
close with the offers of mercy. Now is the 
accepted time ; to-day is the day of salvation. 
When I am gone, will you ever think of me ? 
will you strive to remember the displays of 
God's mercy to me ? and will you endeavour 
to obtain his favour also ; that you may finish 
your course, as I hope to finish mine, rejoic- 
ing in redeeming love, comforted and sustain- 
ed against every fear ? I feel peace in my 
g 2 



78 MEMOIRS OF 

heart, and joy unspeakable, and full of 
glory." 

After being some time silent, she said to 
Mrs. Smelt, " My mother, let me see you 
put on the Christian's beautiful robe — holy 
submission. You will not be left alone ; for 
the Lord is your friend, and he can be more 
to you than ten sons and daughters. Your 
case is by no means a new one. Recollect 
the trials of your namesake, the mother of 
our blessed Redeemer. She was called upon 
to give up her only child — she did so. He 
died a most cruel and ignominious death. 
He had none of the temporal comforts which 
I enjoy — no friends to soothe his sorrows — 
no bed on which to rest his weary limbs — 
no kind attendants to administer a cooling 
draught to quench a parching thirst — no— He 
had to drink vinegar and gall. His blessed 
mother was not allowed to sit by him, as you 
sit by me, and receive divine comfort from 
his sacred lips. O, my dear mother ! think 
of these things, and believe yourself blessed. 
Let your faith rise, in lively exercise, to the 
sufferings of the Son of God. View him in 
the garden ; go with him to Pilate. See his 
patient meekness ! like a lamb dumb before 
his shearers, so he opened not his mouth. 
He suffered the just for the unjust, and by 
his stripes I am healed. He died that we 
might live. He bore our sins in his own 
body. He was God over all, blessed for 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 79 

ever ; and yet he submitted to the death of 
the cross, that a perishing world might be 
saved. When I take a view of his compas- 
sionate mercy to rebellious sinners, I am lost 
in wonder. When I see his sacred temples 
perforated, and encircled with a crown of 
thorns, I am ready to cry out, ' And did my 
Saviour suffer thus ? for whom and for what 
was he thus afflicted and scourged V In a 
moment I answer, * For me — poor unworthy 
me P and not only for sinful me, but for you, 
my mother, and for as many as will believe 
in his all-sufficient atonement. When, with 
the eye of faith, I see my immaculate Saviour 
extended on the cross, my heart dissolves 
with tenderness and gratitude. I feel humble 
and submissive — ready and willing to suffer 
any thing ; yea, feel happy in being thought 
worthy to suffer ; for you know, whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth." 

The physicians entered her room; after 
which, with a sweet smile on her countenance, 
she said to them, " My kind friends and bro- 
thers, you have striven hard to raise this frail 
tenement, but it will all be in vain. You have 
done much for me. I have not been un- 
mindful of the deep interest and tender solici- 
tude which you have discovered in my case. 
I have sensibly felt for the fatigue and loss 
of rest to which you have so willingly sub- 
mitted during my protracted illness ; but I 
think it will soon draw to a close. In return 



80 MEMOIRS OF 

for so much kindness, allow me to bid an af- 
fectionate farewell to you all, but not before 
I strive to impress a few important truths on 
your minds." Then raising her eyes, she 
said, " May the God of mercy write them 
upon your hearts !" 

She then said much to them concerning 
the truth of the Scriptures ; the necessity of 
being prepared for death, &c. ; and obtained a 
promise from them all that they would not 
forget what she said, and would comply with 
the requests which she had made. She then 
bade them farewell, and said, " I hope to see 
you again ; yes, I hope to see you in my Re- 
deemer's kingdom." 

Her mother having retired for a few mi- 
nutes, in order to conceal the emotions of her 
grief, which she felt unable to control, now 
returned and found all in the room in tears, 
except her daughter. With a celestial mild- 
ness in her countenance, she then addressed 
her mother thus : " Now, my mother, the 
conflict will soon be over. I wish you to 
put on the whole Christian, and carry my 
most affectionate regard to my beloved father. 
Tell him, farewell ! Tell him I loved him in 
life, and loved him in the hour of death. 
Request him, from me, to pray frequently 
and fervently for regenerating grace. Tell 
him that I commit him, soul and body, to the 
Lord Jesus. Let it comfort him to know that 
I have unclouded prospects of an immediate 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 81 

entrance into my heavenly Father's king- 
dom." Her mother then rose, went to Dr. 
Smelt, who was sick in another room, and 
delivered the message of Caroline to her fa- 
ther ; who in return sent to her, by Mrs. 
Smelt, a similar expression of his warm af- 
fection, accompanied by a fervent prayer that 
her life might be continued many years. 
On receiving this information, Caroline said, 
" I am sorry that my dear parents do not feel 
more resigned to the will of God ; but he 
will comfort them in his own time, and in 
his own way." 

After pausing for some minutes, as if to 
gather strength to speak, she called her mo- 
ther to her, and said, " My blessed mother ! 
I have been praying that your faith may be 
strengthened, and that the Lord may be your 
friend in life and in death. I now wish you 
to take a pleasant view of your daughter — 
bid her farewell ; and, if you cannot with 
composure witness her departure, retire to 
another room. The conflict will soon be 
over, and the Lord will not forsake you." 
Her mother's heart was deeply penetrated 
with that voice which she thought she was 
now hearing for the last time. She regarded 
her daughter with affectionate admiration, and 
lingered in suspense, hesitating whether to 
remain or retire. Although she spoke not a 
word, yet Caroline seemed to conceive cor- 
rectly what her feelings were, and continued 



82 MEMOIRS OF 

her address in these words, " Yes, my pre- 
cious mother, the Lord will enable you. Only 
cast yourself upon him — look to him for 
strength, and plead with him for faith. Di- 
vine faith can enable us to perform every 
duty — to overcome mountainous difficulties. 
Faith in the Son of God enables me to part 
with you, my mother, without feeling one 
pang on my own account." She then made 
an effort to extend her arms to embrace her 
mother, who folded her to her bosom and 
said, "Farewell, my beloved daughter!" 
Caroline then exclaimed, " I feel clothed with 
the whole armour of God. Farewell, my 
blessed mother ! the Lord will be your com- 
forter." 

As Mrs. Smelt rose from the bed, her 
daughter said to her, " Now, my mother, 
give me a gracious smile." This request 
being complied with, she observed, " O that 
gracious smile ! how often has it gladdened 
my youthful heart, and how it rejoices me at 
this moment ! But we must now part ; my 
Eedeemer will soon come for me." They 
embraced again, and her mother retired. She 
entered her husband's sick room to prepare 
him for what she thought would shortly fol- 
low. She bowed at his bedside, and en- 
gaged in prayer. The feelings of parental 
grief soon became too strong in both to allow 
them to afford much consolation to each 
other. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 83 

As soon as her mother had retired, Caro- 
line requested the physicians to take seats, 
and then desired them not to attempt to give 
her drink, or any thing else, from that time — 
no, not so much as to moisten her lips, as it 
would disturb her. She then desired her 
other friends who were present to take seats 
also ; having previously taken a most affec- 
tionate leave of them all. She was so much 
exhausted that her voice failed. All the 
friends were much aifected, supposing her 
end w r as near at hand. She immediately ex- 
tended herself in the bed — opened her arms, 
and said, " Now let perfect silence be ob- 
served." She closed her eyes, and continued 
in the same position for one hour and a quar- 
ter ; evincing no symptom of life, except a 
gentle and feeble respiration, with a counte- 
nance beautifully serene. 

At the expiration of the time stated, she 
gasped, attended with a slight agitation of the 
nerves, which induced the friends to suppose 
that a convulsion was coming on. The phy- 
sicians having calculated, by their watches, 
the time w r hich she had lain without taking 
refreshment of any kind, and presuming her 
to be insensible, concluded at least to moisten 
her lips, though it was contrary to her direc- 
tions. They did so ; which produced an- 
other general agitation of the nerves. 

A kind female friend who was present, and 
felt much interested for the suffering patient, 



84 MEMOIRS OF 

approached the bed, and offered up a petition 
to heaven that she might be favoured with an 
easy death. This was done audibly. At 
that moment Caroline raised her voice, and 
exclaimed, " Glory ! glory ! glory !" Her 
efforts to be heard were so strong, and her 
bodily strength so feeble, that her friend said, 
" O my dear child ! you will exhaust j^our- 
self;" and then exclaimed, "O blessed Sa- 
viour ! grant this lamb an easy passport into 
thy kingdom." Caroline immediately re- 
plied, " My dear aunt, don't say so ; for the 
greater the struggle the brighter the crown ;" 
and then again exclaimed, " Glory ! glory ! 
I want all the world to hear me sound my 
Redeemer's praises." After a few minutes 
her friends desired that she should take some 
refreshment. She said, "Yes, I will take it 
now, for my Saviour will not take me as 
soon as I hoped he would. I have been too 
impatient to depart ; but I now feel submis- 
sive to his will, for his banner over me is 
love." She then took some nourishment, 
and asked for her mother. 

When Mrs. Smelt entered, Caroline said, 
" O my mother ! embrace me. We have 
again met. You no doubt feel thankful ; but 
I have been disappointed. When I recover 
a little more strength, I will tell you where I 
have been." The physicians requested that 
she might be kept perfectly quiet, and no 
conversation be allowed. They said her 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 85 

pulse was good, and her fever on the decline ; 
that she must go to sleep. After this she 
rested quietly for some time ; but it was not 
thought that she slept. She appeared to be 
engaged in devotion and silent prayer. 

After she was somewhat refreshed, and 
became more able to speak, she proceeded, 
in the presence of several persons, to give 
her mother a statement of what had passed 
after they had mutually taken leave of each 
other, as related above. She said she had 
for several days been very anxious to depart, 
and be with Christ — not that she felt impa- 
tient under her sufferings— no — she would 
not have desired one pain less ; but she want- 
ed to enjoy the bliss of heaven, and to see 
her Redeemer all-glorious as he is. " For 
if my soul (said she) was so enraptured w r ith 
the communications of his love while on a 
sick bed, what would it be when completely 
transformed into his glorious image ? This 
day I have been signally blessed with divine 
views ; and, from my general feelings, I 
thought nature was dissolving. I was en- 
abled to smile upon death. I brought my 
coffin to my view, and said, ' ! that this 
feeble clay-body were but quietly deposited 
within your narrow limits.' I thought of 
my burial clothes — I could not decide on 
what I should like to be dressed in — I consi- 
dered that I had nothing sufficiently plain. 
But I soon dismissed these unimportant re- 
H 



86 MEMOIRS OF 

flections, and felt nothing but an increasing 
anxiety to depart. My feelings bordered on 
impatience. This was sinful; for I should 
have held every wish in sweet subjection to 
the divine will. But to continue : When I 
parted with you, I fully believed that my gra- 
cious Redeemer would call me in a few mo- 
ments. I placed myself in a ready position. 
At that instant I entered a dark labyrinth — it 
was dark as midnight ; but I felt no fear. 
I thought it was the dark valley of death, and 
that my Saviour would soon meet me — He 
did not come. I waited a considerable time 
— I became impatient — I said, I shall be dis- 
appointed at last. I began to be alarmed — I 
prayed — my faith strengthened : I felt com- 
posed and comforted. At length I said, 
4 Will not my Saviour come ?' The answer 
was, ' No, you will have to return, and wait 
God's time.' Dismay seized me. I repeat- 
ed, ' Must I indeed go back to the world V 
All at once I was filled with peace : I opened 
my eyes, and found I was just where I had 
started from. I prayed for the grace of God 
to support me under this disappointment. 
I heard what my dear aunt said, and immedi- 
ately, by a power not my own, was obliged 
to cry out Glory ! — O, my mother ! I see it 
was intended as a trial of my faith. I see I 
required more submission to the will of my 
heavenly Father. It was a great struggle, 
but faith has come off victorious. I am now 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 87 

perfectly resigned to the will of heaven. I 
have not a single wish of my own. I am 
now willing to live, or ready to die, which- 
ever God pleases. He knows what is best 
for me, and ' has caused the enemy to entreat 
me well in time of evil, and in the time of 
affliction,' I feel the love of God in my 
heart, and know that I am his." 

She then inquired after her father; and 
requested her mother to go and tell him she 
felt so much revived, that she thought it pro- 
bable she should remain some time longer 
with them. That night she rested well, 
and the next morning was evidently better. 

September 9th. This day she was sensible 
of a great change, which favoured the hope of 
her recovery ; but she said she felt no anxiety 
except to promote her Redeemer's cause ; 
and to the utmost of her power were her ef- 
forts continually directed to this end. She 
exhorted and admonished every one who en- 
tered her room, of whatever age, rank, condi- 
tion, or colour. To detail the whole of her 
pious exercises would require a volume ; and 
it is deeply regretted that much has escaped 
the memory of her best friends. This is not 
wonderful, when it is considered that bodily 
indisposition and sorrow of heart confined 
her parents to sick beds for days together. 

She was often visited by the Rev. Mr. D. 
and other professors of religion of distinguish- 
ed reputation for piety. It is worthy of re- 



88 MEMOIRS OF 

mark, that instead of administering instruc- 
tion or comfort to her, they became delighted 
listeners, mute with astonishment; and ex- 
cept in the article of praying with her, they 
seldom said more than merely to make a few- 
inquiries respecting her health. One of them 
observed that he came to receive instruction — 
to be taught of her ; for she was a preacher 
of righteousness. " She strives, (said he,) 
with all the powers of an almost inspired 
eloquence, to induce every one around her to 
embrace that Saviour, whose arms are ready 
to embrace every fallen child of Adam that 
will turn to him, and rely on his ability and 
willingness to save." She expressed great 
satisfaction whenever they called. She fre- 
quently sent for Mr. A. M. from uniting with 
whom in prayer she derived peculiar de- 
light. She called him her dear brother in the 
Lord. 

One day, after being visited by some pious 
persons, she observed to her mother, that it 
afforded her great pleasure to converse with 
the children of God; "For to them (said 
she) I speak in a known tongue. They 
know the import of every word, having been 
taught in the same school. O mother ! I 
now understand that passage in the Holy 
Scriptures which tells us, the wisdom of man 
is foolishness with God. It is indeed fool- 
ishness — perfect folly. All that I ever knew 
is but as a drop to the ocean in comparison 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 89 

with what I now feel and know. The Holy 
Comforter is indeed a divine teacher. Oh ! 
that all the world would seek after true wis- 
dom, for her ways are ways of pleasantness, 
and all her paths are peace." 

September 10th. She was still better, her 
fever light, and all her symptoms favourable. 
On this day she conversed freely and fre- 
quently with her mother, and referred, with 
great pleasure, to her acquaintance with the 
Rev. Mr. J. She said that she had often 
felt very solemn under the preaching of the 
Rev. Dr. Thompson ; but these impressions 
would soon pass away ; they were like the 
early cloud and morning dew. But under 
Mr. J.'s preaching, she had been made to 
see and to feel the necessity of having an in- 
terest in Jesus. Oh mother ! if you live to 
see that man of God, tell him what the Lord 
has done for my soul. Tell him he was one 
of the happy instruments employed by my 
heavenly Father to bring me to Christ. Tell 
him all ; it will fill his heart with joy and 
gladness." Mrs. Smelt then observed to her 
daughter, that she hoped she would live to 
tell him herself. Caroline replied, "My 
mother, you must not wish or hope ; leave 
the event to God, who doeth all things well. 
When I reflect (said she) on my deportment 
towards Mr. J. I think how great must his 
discouragements have been. I wonder that 
he did not give me up ; but he did not. 
h2 



90 MEMOIRS OF 

How often has he said, ' Come out from the 
world, Miss Caroline, O come out J 9 and on 
one occasion he observed, 6 If you will come 
out from the world, I feel as if a host would 
follow. 9 Nothing but his engagedness in his 
Master's work could have made him so anx- 
ious for my eternal welfare. Oh ! if I 
could now see him, I would speak to him 
without reserve. I should be delighted to 
receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper 
from his hands ; and I am resolved, if I am 
raised from this bed, the first place I shall go 
to will be the church. I will there present 
myself in the presence of the congregation, 
and make a public profession of my faith in 
Christ. Oh how I lament that I have so 
often neglected opportunities of doing this 
when I was in health ! Now I should de- 
light to take my mother by the hand, and, in 
the presence of seven millions of people, 
take a seat with her at the table of the Lord." 
When she desired an interest in the pray- 
ers of the church, she addressed the Rev. 
Mr. D. thus : " Mr. D. I desire an interest 
in the prayers of your congregation to-mor- 
row. Will you oblige me, sir, by stating 
that Caroline Elizabeth, only daughter, only 
child of Dr. Smelt, requests an interest in the 
prayers of God's people? She desires not 
that they may pray for her life; but that 
God may graciously please to continue his 
divine love to her — that she may continue to 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 91 

feel the same dutiful resignation to his bless- 
ed will — the same patient submission under 
sufferings, which he has kindly bestowed on 
her for a number of days past." She then 
requested Mr. D. to administer the sacrament 
of the Lord's supper to her. In this he was 
ready and willing to gratify her ; but the 
physicians considered her too feeble to sus- 
tain the exercises necessary, without injury 
to her health. When she heard the objec- 
tions, she replied, with great meekness, "It 
is well; I deserve the disappointment. I 
often rejected this feast when all things were 
ready ; and now, when I am ready, my kind 
friends think it inexpedient. Well, the Lord 
permits it thus to be ; it is right — it is just 
that I should be disappointed here; but he 
will not refuse me a seat at his table above." 
She then recited much of the Lord's deal- 
ings with her from the time when she was 
seven years old. She said she had been sur- 
prised that so many people had shown a love 
to her — that sometimes she had been so un- 
charitable as to suppose the attentions which 
she had received proceeded from an idea that, 
as she was an only child, and the darling of 
her parents, she expected great civilities ; for 
which reason she had thought it probable that 
several persons had made a display of love 
and friendship towards her which they did 
not really feel ; for she herself felt as if she 
had no attractions. " But now (said she) I 



92 MEMOIRS OF 

see what it was — God loved me, though I 
did not know it at the time, and he put it 
into the hearts of his children to love me 
also." 

September 11th. She appeared so much 
better, that little doubt was entertained of her 
recovery. This day she was visited by 
many friends, and was uncommonly zealous 
and feeling in her conversation with them. 
A very intelligent female friend, who heard 
her on this occasion, afterwards observed 
that she was the most divine preacher she 
had ever heard — that her eloquence and fer- 
vour far surpassed any thing she had ever 
witnessed — that her voice seemed to partake 
of the nature of heaven. Her prayers asto- 
nished every one. The same friend, at an- 
other time, expressed her surprise at the 
extraordinary powers which she exhibited. 
To this Caroline replied, " My mental powers 
are exceedingly enlarged — the Holy Spirit is 
my teacher, of myself I could do nothing ; but 
a new tongue hath been given me, and a new 
spirit put within me. Give God the praise ; 
for he hath said, out of the mouths of babes 
and sucklings shall praise be perfected. Be- 
hold what he has done in my case ! I, who 
could not, a few weeks ago, raise my voice 
to be heard without embarrassment, particu- 
larly if the religion of Jesus was the subject, 
can now speak with holy boldness and inex- 
pressible delight. My kind physicians try 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 93 

to impose silence ; but I must speak. I have, 
perhaps, but a short time to labour — my 
Maker's work I must do. His commands 
are more important than theirs, and I delight 
to do his will. O ! that all the world could 
feel as I do. O ! that the Lord would make 
me the happy instrument of turning one soul 
to Christ. O ! that my dear young friends 
would come out from the world, as my 
friend and brother Mr. J. used to say to me." 

She then addressed some young persons 
who were present, in a most pathetic and 
eloquent manner, expressive of her most af- 
fectionate attachment and earnest solicitude 
for their present and future felicity. • Of this 
part of her exercises it is not believed that 
any complete or just representation can be 
given here; therefore it will not be at- 
tempted. 

On the subject of worldly amusement, she 
was uncommonly earnest and forcible. In 
speaking on this subject to some friends, 
she said, " Let no person, endowed with ra- 
tional powers, call them innocent or harmless. 
How can that be harmless which leads to a 
prodigal waste of precious time ? How can 
that thing be called harmless which leads to 
an unnecessary exposure of health ? How 
can that amusement be innocent which has 
not the glory of God for its object? How 
can that amusement be harmless which has a 
direct tendency to unfit the mind for devo- 



94 MEMOIRS OF 

tional exercises? We are such frail crea- 
tures, that we constantly require some excite- 
ment to lead us to God, and not to estrange 
us from him. Will any venture to say that 
they have been brought to love the Lord 
Jesus better by having attended a theatre or 
a ball-room ? I presume not. I can say, 
from my own experience, that I never de- 
rived solid improvement or real pleasure from 
either. From neither of them have I ever de- 
rived any thing which could afford my mind 
the least satisfaction in hours devoted to self- 
examination, nor any thing to strengthen the 
soul against the terrors of death and judg- 
ment. I consider them worse than vanity — 
they are exceeding sinful" 

She spoke much of her absent relatives 
and friends, and desired that particular mes- 
sages might be delivered to them. She 
observed that it would afford her inexpres- 
sible satisfaction to see them once more, to 
tell them all that the Lord had done for her 
soul, and to encourage them to rest their 
hopes on him. " But (said she) if it be de- 
creed that we shall not meet again in this 
life, tell them it will be their own fault if we 
do not meet in another and better world — 
Tell them there is room enough for all in my 
Redeemer's kingdom ; and he will give them 
a gracious reception, if they will only take 
up the cross and follow him." Then ad- 
dressing herself particularly to her mother, 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 93 

" my mother ! it would give me such hap- 
piness to see my pious friend, Mr. J. — I feel 
as if he was my spiritual father, my dear 
brother in the Lord. Could he see me now, 
I trust he would not be ashamed to own me 
as his child — his sister ; no, he would gladly 
own the relationship." It was remarked by 
the many friends who saw her, that they 
never witnessed stronger filial affection in 
their lives. She was ever on the watch to 
pour the balm of consolation into the heart of 
her sorrowing mother ; and omitted nothing 
that she thought calculated to relieve her feel- 
ings. 

September 12th. On this day she felt so 
much better, though she still had some fever, 
which never went entirely off, that several 
friends did not hesitate to tell her that she 
was getting well very fast. Her mother, 
standing by her bedside, said, " Yes, the be- 
loved of my heart is indeed recovering ; and 
I do hope the Lord has heard my prayers, 
and will prolong her precious life many 
years." Caroline looked concerned. Some 
one observed, " I have no doubt of it ; I think 
she will be able to ride out in a few days." 
She immediately gave the friend a gentle re- 
buke. Mrs. Smelt then turned from the bed. 
In an instant Caroline called her back, and 
said, " My blessed mother, I did not intend 
that for you. I know your maternal tender- 
ness induces you to hope, and I conceive 



96 MEMOIRS OF 

those hopes are perfectly natural when kept 
under proper restrictions. I should be very- 
sorry if you should think me capable of de- 
parting from my duty as a child so far as to 
rebuke you, my mother. No ; I have too 
high a sense of that sacred command, which 
says, ' honour thy father and mother? &c. 
and too much love and gratitude to you, ever 
to speak unbecomingly. I thought our friend 
(pointing to the person) spoke rather pre- 
sumptuously, and needed a rebuke. But I 
did not intend the least offence to him, only 
to remind him that the secret designs of God 
were known only to himself; and that the 
event of my case was known only to my hea- 
venly Father.' ' 

The visiting friends having all retired, 
Caroline and her mother were left alone for 
an hour or two. The daughter then commu- 
nicated many of the exercises of her mind 
since she had been confined to that bed. 
" Mother, (said she,) let no one call it a bed 
of affliction ; — it has been to me a heavenly 
bed. I wish I could describe the visitation 
I had on the second night of this month, and 
which I still feel with a grateful recollection. 
How mercifully did the Lord deal with me I 
— I was oppressed with a heavy burden : I 
felt guilty, self-condemned, and bowed down 
— the passage of Scripture which I mention- 
ed, constantly ringing in my ears. I felt ill, 
extremely ill. I was not afraid of death in 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 97 

itself, but I feared the displeasure of God. 
I derived no comfort from the reflection that 
I had not been guilty of great crimes ; no 
comfort from the recollection that I had never 
in conversation, or in any other way, used 
my Maker's name irreverently. I have al- 
ways held it sacred ; for, even in prayer or 
reading, I felt solemn whenever I repeated 
it. I knew my situation in life, and a pious 
education, had kept me from being exposed 
to gross temptations ; but I felt that I had 
lived in the neglect of many known duties, 
and in the abuse of many distinguished 
blessings: that I had stifled many strong 
convictions, and grieved the Holy Spirit of 
God, who had been striving with me in va- 
rious ways ever since I was seven years old. 
I tried to draw comfort from the recollection 
that I had, for some months past, resolved to 
take a decided stand to serve the Lord ; but 
how did I know that he would accept my 
imperfect services after such rebellion against 
him ? I remembered the anxiety which I 
felt to return to this house. The Lord had 
gratified me sooner than I expected. I had 
resolved, as soon as we got settled, to com- 
mence a new system of devotion, and was 
impatient to begin. The first night on which 
I returned to the occupancy of my chamber, 
deserves to be remembered. As soon as I 
found myself alone, I prostrated myself on 
the carpet, and poured out my soul in prayer 
I 



98 MEMOIRS OF 

to my heavenly Father. I resolved, by his 
assistance, to make it an important period in 
my life ; and from that moment to give up 
all worldly amusements. I made a solemn 
promise never to dance another step ; never 
to enter a theatre again, nor to resort to places 
of festivity and mirth. I considered them 3s 
all belonging to the same family, and inju^ 
rious to a growth in grace. I then pleaded, 
with tears and great fervency, that my God 
and Saviour would condescend to consecrate 
my chamber ; that he would make it a little 
Bethel, where he would often meet me. I 
then felt so comforted and strengthened in 
my good resolutions, that I had no doubt of 
my prayer being answered. But, on the 
second day of this month, I received no con^ 
solation from a review of those circum- 
stances; — no, not a ray of light from any 
quarter. Worlds would I have given for an 
interest in the redemption purchased by the 
blessed Redeemer ; without this, I felt I was 
for ever lost* I strove to be fervent in pray- 
er ; but many friends called, and I was much 
interrupted. I was enabled all the forepart 
of the day to appear composed, for I felt 
very unwilling, my dear mother, to increase 
your sorrows by telling you I was happy ; 
but in the evening I could not restrain my 
feelings ; I was compelled to let you know 
all. You then prayed for me, and repeated 
many precious promises. I felt a sudden 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 99 

heat pass over me ; it surpassed any thing 
which I ever felt before. My whole system 
seemed as if in a furnace. I was alarmed. 
I desired you to engage with me in silent 
prayer. O ! then my wrestlings commenced, 
and for one hour, one short hour, they con- 
tinued, at the end of which period I was 
most wonderfully blessed. What I felt at 
that moment can never be described. The 
Spirit of God was in my soul — nor can I ex- 
press the half of what he then revealed to 
me. Indeed, I dare not attempt to describe 
the manifestation which I then received. I 
felt the power of the Holy Ghost — I felt that 
my soul was ransomed by the blood of the 
cross — every sin washed away, and my name 
recorded in the Lamb's book of life. Love 
to God, and love to his people, filled my 
heart. I knew of a truth that Jesus was 
mine, and I was his ; and from that moment 
to this, my faith, my views have been the 
very same, though my ecstasies have not 
always been equally great. One small cloud 
or temptation, and one only, has Satan 
been permitted to cast in my way, andthat 
only for a few minutes. The Hearer of 
prayer soon removed it. I believe it was 
permitted, to show me my weakness, and to 
try my faith ; but the Lord soon said to my 
soul, ' Fear not, for I am with theeS O my 
mother ! do you wonder that I should be pa- 



100 MEMOIRS OF 

tient and happy when I have such divine 
support, such holy comforts?" 

She then desired that her position in the 
bed might be changed. This was done ; by 
which means she had a commanding view of 
the garden from a window near her bed. It 
was then near sunset, and a most beautiful 
evening. As soon as she saw her flowering 
shrubs, (several of which were loaded with 
rich flowers,) she broke forth in the most 
exalted strains of admiration, and adoring 
ejaculations, to the great Architect of the 
universe. She commented sweetly on the 
particular time of the evening — it was admi- 
rably adapted to contemplation ; then on the 
serenity of the azure vault of heaven ; then 
on a floating white cloud ; and remarked the 
harmony which subsisted, and was apparent 
in all the works of God. She then asked, 
" Why do frail mortals seek pleasure in noisy 
tumultuous amusements, when such an am- 
ple volume lies open to their view ?" She 
then took leave of a favourite shrub, saying, 
" Farewell, my innocent friend ; your fra- 
grant blossoms have often regaled my senses, 
while my thoughts have ascended to him 
that made both you and me. I have often 
plucked your flowers, and ran with delight to 
present them to my mother ; but other hands 
will now gather your blossoms : farewell, my 
tree, I long to be in the garden above. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 101 

" The finest flower that ever blow'd 
Open'd on Calvary's tree, 
When Jesus' blood in rivers flow'd 
For love of worthless me. 

" Its deepest hue, its sweetest smell 
No mortal can declare, 
Nor can the tongues of angels tell 
How bright the colours are. 

" But soon, on yonder banks above, 
Shall every blossom here 
Appear a full-blown flower of love. 
Like him transplanted there." 

Her countenance beamed with radiance 
when she said, " Farewell, garden, delightful 
spot for innocent amusement ! My infant 
feet have often trod your walks" — and smiling 
when she repeated, " they will never walk 
them again." She then listened, with appa- 
rent rapture, to the notes of a little bird that 
was perched on a tree near her window, 
until her soul seemed transported almost to 
heaven. She soon afterwards desired her 
mother to bring the Bible to her, and read the 
121st Psalm, the whole of which she was en- 
abled to apply to herself. Mrs. Smelt then 
read to her some passages in Isaiah. Caro- 
line exclaimed, "It is the word of God — I 
feel it in my very soul. Isaiah is a divine 
prophet — he is my prophet." 

A friend entered soon afterwards, to whom 
Caroline said, " My dear aunt, I have taken 
leave of the garden this evening, and have 
i2 



102 MEMOIRS OF 

felt so happy, so entirely filled with divine 
love, that my room has appeared like a little 
Bethel, or the gate of heaven." She then 
desired her mother to read to her aunt the 
same Psalm over again, saying, "Every 
word of that Psalm is applicable to me — for 
the Lord has preserved, and will keep me to 
the end, even for ever and ever." She then 
repeated to her friend many of the sentiments 
which she had just before uttered to her mo- 
ther on the subject of the garden, &c. After 
which she said she had never before seen 
nature dressed in so beautiful a robe ; that a 
peculiar brightness or lustre appeared to rest 
upon every flower and upon every leaf; that 
the whole sky, and even the little cloud 
seemed to bear a strong impress of her Mak- 
er's glory ; and concluded with the following 
beautiful lines : — 

" The spacious firmament on high, 
With all the blue ethereal sky, 
And spangled heavens, a shining frame, 
Their Great Original proclaim." 

September 13th. Having rested very com- 
fortably during the preceding night, she was 
this day, to all appearance, considerably bet- 
ter. She was cheerful, and observed to her 
mother that she began to think that the Lord 
might intend to restore her to health; that 
the preceding evening she had felt a strong 
impression that she should soon be removed ; 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 103 

44 That is, (said she,) I hope so — but I was 
not impatient : I felt perfect submission ; for 
while I am fed with such rich provisions, I 
have nothing to fear. But to-day I have felt 
such a revival of bodily strength, that I do not 
know but God may spare me to you and my 
dear father a little longer, perhaps for some 
years ; and I have been endeavouring to be 
thankful on your account, and to be recon- 
ciled to live, that I may be a comfort to you 
both, and useful to my friends. I have been 
laying the most delightful plans to advance 
my Redeemer's cause in every way in my 
power. If my life be prolonged, I intend to 
employ every talent to his honour. I will 
visit the poor, not only in town, but in the 
country. I will exhort and admonish them 
to serve the Lord : and as the spirit of prayer 
has been bestowed on me in a very comfort- 
able measure, I will pray with them in their 
cottages ; I will instruct their poor children ; 
I will take a class in the Sunday-school ; I 
will instruct our own servants, for they all 
love me, and deserve my particular attention. 
I will tell every one of the goodness of God, 
and that he is worthy to be served. I shall 
never be backward in reproving my young 
friends when I see they require it; and I 
shall feel it to be an important duty, though I 
shall endeavour to do it with great meekness. 
Nor shall I ever feel backward to introduce 
religious conversation, in the hope that a 



104 MEMOIRS OF 

word in season may be spoken to some souL 
O my mother ! I think I can employ myself 
so agreeably, that I may well be reconciled 
to live many years, if it should be the will 
of my heavenly Father to continue me here. 
Yes, I will be reconciled, for whatever he 
does is right. O mother! I wish Mr. J. 
may return to this country, he will never 
again call me tacit Caroline. I could now 
hold sweet converse with him, for the Lord 
hath filled my mouth with good things. I 
could tell him things which would fill his 
pious heart with joy and gladness. He 
would feel encouraged to go on with renewed 
zeal in his heavenly Father's work. If he 
could see me, poor feeble me, now that I am 
brought out of darkness into marvellous 
light, he would never despair of reclaiming 
others. Do, mother, write to him ; I am 
sure he would come if he knew all, and 
spend the winter here." 

About the middle of the day, she sent for 
Mr. M. When he came, she desired him to 
pray with her. She then conversed very 
pleasantly with him, and mentioned her will- 
ingness to live or to die ; but entreated him 
to remember her in his private visits to a 
throne of grace. She told him how much 
she had respected and esteemed him ever 
since she first knew him, when she was seven 
years old ; and begged him, should she be 
raised from that sick bed, never to feel the 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 105 

least hesitation to admonish or reprove her, 
should he see that she required it. She also 
expressed a hope that all her Christian 
friends would do the same. 

In the evening, she was so much better 
that her physicians indulged her in a wish to 
sit up in an easy-chair. When she was 
about to rise, she desired that none but her 
mother and a faithful servant should assist 
her. As soon as she left the bed she took 
Mrs. Smelt by the arm, and said, "Now, 
mother, kneel by the side of this bed with 
me." They kneeled down ; after which she 
offered up a most evangelical prayer, in 
which she implored grace to make her thank- 
ful for being raised from the first sick bed 
upon which she had ever been laid ; and that, 
whether she lived months, days, weeks, or 
years, she might live to the glory of God; 
that she might ever be mindful of the mani- 
festations of divine love which she had re- 
ceived in that room, and on that bed ; that she 
might never be allowed to sin because grace 
abounded, but that she might always feel 
the same holy submission, the same holy de- 
sires, which then filled her heart. She 
prayed for sinners generally ; and finding 
her strength failing, she ma^de a most pathe- 
tic address to Heaven, saying, it was known 
to her heavenly Father what was in her heart 
to say, and that, " He would have mercy, 
and not sacrifice." She then renewed her 



106 MEMOIRS OF 

engagements to be Christ's, and committed 
herself to his care ; at which time she came 
near to fainting. Her mother was obliged 
to raise her, led her to the easy-chair, and 
administered a cordial. In a few minutes 
she revived, and requested that the physi- 
cians and friends might be called from an 
adjoining room — she knew it would give 
them pleasure to see her sitting up. She 
conversed very pleasantly for a short time ; 
but feeling faint, she was advised to return to 
her bed. This she did, and rested tolerably 
well the whole of that night. 

September 14th. Her appearance this 
day inspired her friends with still stronger 
hopes of her recovery. The physicians di- 
rected her again to sit up half an hour. Her 
mother, being much fatigued, and considerably 
indisposed, retired early in the day to take 
some rest. On her return, she found Caro- 
line unusually cheerful, in which state she 
continued through the residue of that day. 
In the evening she was observed to be very 
feeble, but still much inclined to conversa- 
tion ; and every thing she said was so inte- 
resting and instructive, that it was a difficult 
matter to impose silence upon her. Mrs. 
Smelt at length expressed to her a fear lest 
she would do herself an injury ; and requested 
her to forbear for a little while, at least, until 
she recovered a little more strength. To 
this Caroline replied, with a sweet smile, 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 107 

" My dear mother, do not fear. When I 
feel the greatest prostration of bodily strength, 
I am then strongest in the Lord. Through- 
out my whole indisposition heretofore, there 
have been periods in each day (at least ever 
since I have been convalescent) that I felt as 
if life were ebbing ; and at those times I 
have enjoyed the sweetest communion with 
my heavenly Father. I feel no anxiety but 
for you. I wish to see your faith stronger. 
I want to see you free from hopes or fears, 
and to be prepared for every providence. 
O ! I am greatly blessed. I feel for my 
dear ^father's sufferings, and hope they may 
be sanctified ; but I know he is in the hands 
of God, who doeth all things well. I am 
distressed about nothing ; that is, my faith 
sustains me — my soul is at peace. I know, 
my mother, that great allowances will be 
made for your feelings. Your maternal 
affections are very strong — you love me ten- 
derly — I am your only child ; and my hea- 
venly Father is full of compassion. He 
knows that feeble nature will feel, even when 
his dear children submit to his chastisements 
with a becoming spirit. Tears are not offen- 
sive to him; for you know Jesus wept with 
Mary at the grave of Lazarus, and he will 
sustain you. He is your friend — He is my 
friend, and He will never leave us nor for- 
sake us. Now, mother, take — just take a 
view of his tender mercies to me. Every 



108 MEMOIRS OF 

morning I am so refreshed that I am able to 
go through the necessary changes for my 
comfort, and I have prayed that this might 
be continued ; for I never could feel pleasant 
unless I were entirely neat. Besides, I am 
enabled to have my little Bethel (room) neat- 
ly attended to every morning, and all my little 
comforts kept in order, without the smallest 
inconvenience to my feelings. I am furnish- 
ed with every necessary comfort. Let me 
tell you of a circumstance that occurred the 
other day : I thought for a few moments that 
I should like to refresh my mouth with a 
lime; but I considered that no such*thing 
could be had in town at this time, and, as I 
had oranges, I would be content. Within a 
few hours afterwards a present of several 
dozens of limes was sent to me by an almost 
perfect stranger, and from the distance of 
several miles too. I immediately gave God 
the praise. Oh ! he is ever mindful of his 
children, and will never let them want any 
good thing. Only see what kind friends he 
has given me ! not one seems weary in serv- 
ing me ; no, they will not take rest when 
they might. Here is my beloved cousin, 
(pointing to one), who is ever on the watch 
to put her soft hand in active operation for 
my comfort. There is my dear aunt, whose 
very voice brings comfort with it, gives me 
every leisure moment; and this kind mother 
aunt (pointing to another friend) will not 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 109 

leave me by day or night. My kind physi- 
cians discover the interest of fathers and 
brothers. They know my own father is ill, 
and in sorrow ; and they scarcely leave us, 
even to attend to their professional duties. 
The ministers of the Lord, and my dear 
friend, Mr. M., visit me every day to help 
me with their prayers. Our faithful servants 
show such affectionate solicitude that I am 
never left a moment without their attendance, 
and they appear to give their services with 
the utmost readiness ; and all my acquaint- 
ances show me great kindness. My bed has 
been to me a heavenly one — my chamber has 
been a Bethel, for here has the Lord conde- 
scended to meet with me — here has he poured 
out his Spirit upon me — here has he answered 
my prayers, and here will I raise my Ebene- 
zer, for hitherto hath the Lord helped me. 
O my mother ! let these things excite in your 
heart fresh confidence and gratitude to God, 
whose mercies are renewed to us every 
morning, and repeated every evening — every 
moment." 

At this time all her friends thought her 
much better, except her mother, whom the 
faculty considered unreasonable for indulging 
a doubt of her recovery. But she thought 
her daughter too ripe for glory to be long 
continued here ; and she wished to be sub- 
missively prepared for that dispensation of 
Divine Providence, which she thought would 
K 



110 MEMOIRS OF 

shortly remove " the joy of her heart, and 
desire of her eyes." That night Caroline 
enjoyed considerable quietude, but very little 
sleep. 

September 15th. On the morning of this 
day she appeared, for some hours, much as 
she had been on the day before. A friend, 
hearing that she was getting well, sent her 
twelve varieties of choice flowers. She ap- 
peared unusually delighted as soon as she 
saw them. She requested her mother to 
spread them out before her on the bed, and 
then to present them, one by one, to her 
view ; which was done accordingly. There 
was one which was conspicuous for its size 
and colour, which she requested to be hand- 
ed to her first. On taking it in her hand, she 
called all her friends present to view its beau- 
ties. Her admiration of that flower excited 
the wonder of her friends, for it did not 
strike them, at the moment, as being equal 
to the others in beauty ; nor was it thought 
to accord with her general taste, as the flower 
in question was of a crimson hue. Her mo- 
ther remarking this to her, she replied, " O 
mother ! then you do not see what I see, for 
it reflects beauty on all the rest. That rich 
crimson colour reminds me of the precious 
blood of Christ ; its size, transparency, and 
fulness remind me of the love, purity, and 
all-sufficiency of my blessed Redeemer. Ex- 
amine its petals ; view the vast number of 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. Ill 

veins in each ! how expressive of the chan- 
nels of divine grace ! What entire perfec- 
tion is impressed on every leaf!" Her mo- 
ther, fearing she would exhaust herself, pro- 
posed to take the whole of the flowers and 
put them in water. Caroline sweetly asked 
permission to examine the others also, which 
was granted. She then commented with 
great eloquence on each one, and concluded 
by repeating, " Solomon in all his glory 
was not arrayed like one of these." The 
flowers were then gathered up to be removed ; 
but she desired they might be put in a flower- 
pot, and placed where she could view them. 
After the removal of the flowers, it was ob- 
served that she had retained the bud of a 
small white cluster-rose, which she held in 
her fingers. After a silence which lasted for 
some considerable time, Caroline at length 
said, "Mother, look at this," holding up the 
rose-bud. She paused, as if she wished her 
mother to say something. Mrs. Smelt re- 
plied, " My daughter, I suppose you discover 
some similarity between that bud and your- 
self." Caroline smiled. Mrs. Smelt observed 
that the rose-bud was an emblem of youth 
and innocence. Caroline again smiled, and 
said, "No, my mother, your thoughts and 
mine have not been the same this time, 
though we very generally think alike. But 
this little bud is emblematical of the grace 
that is now in my soul — (she then exclaimed) 



112 MEMOIRS OF 

to bloom, to expand in the garden of hea- 
ven!" In a short time afterwards her mo- 
ther discovered that Caroline was not so well 
as she had been, in which opinion their 
friends did not agree with her. In the even- 
ing, the fever increased, and her rest that 
night was not so good as for some nights im- 
mediately before. 

September 16th. On the morning of this 
day her fever was somewhat abated, but she 
was evidently weaker ; yet perfectly tranquil 
and heavenly-minded. A pious friend called 
to see her in the forenoon of this day. She 
immediately began to tell her what the Lord 
had done for her soul ; expressed great con- 
cern for the state of the church in Augusta — - 
spoke with great feeling of the awful declen- 
sion in religion — prayed that God would visit 
her native city with an outpouring of his Spi- 
rit — that he would stir up the church mem- 
bers to greater zeal in the cause of Zion, and 
entreated that all who named the name of 
Christ might be less comformed to the fashion 
of this world, and more conformed to the 
simplicity of the gospel — that they might be 
made to frown on sinful amusements and all 
extrayagant follies — and to exhibit, on all 
occasions, an example worthy of imitation, 
and expressive of the hope that is in them. 
She continued, by addressing all that were 
present, in substance as follows : " I feel as 
if the Lord would visit Augusta with the most 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 113 

distinguished blessings, if Christians would 
only discharge their duty. He waits to be 
gracious to you. But, my dear friends, you 
must be more united ; you must be more like 
our blessed Saviour. Let me entreat you, 
(be not offended with me because I am a 
child in years, compared with you,) hear me, 
for I am deeply interested for your souls' 
best interests — yes, allow me to entreat you to 
meet often in social prayer to God, that he 
may send you a faithful pastor — one of his 
own dear sons, to minister in holy things to 
you. Pray frequently and fervently for a re- 
vival of religion, and God will hear you and 
give an answer in peace. Abound in good 
works — exercise holy faith in the Son of 
God, and he will bless you. You, that are 
professors, are all bound by a solemn vow to 
serve the Lord ; and you must do it with 
devotedness of heart. He requires this of 
you, and to him you will have to render 
an account. Therefore, O professed follow- 
ers of Jesus ! be zealous in his cause," 

After the friends had retired, her mother 
expressed a fear that she had been too vehe- 
ment — that the friends to whom she had been 
speaking were very pious persons, and might 
think the exhortation unnecessary, or might 
suppose that she conceived them to be luke- 
warm Christians. To this Caroline replied, 
"Ono! mother, I feel no fear that I went 
one step too far. My Saviour will not let 
k2 



114 MEMOIRS OF 

me exceed proper bounds, when I am en- 
gaged in his service. Now, mother, will you 
excuse me if I tell you one thing? I wish 
to do it with great filial deference, and would 
not wish to wound your feelings in a single 
instance." Her mother then requested her 
to speak. She then said, in a most impres- 
sive manner, " Mother, your faith is too 
weak. You must gird up the loins of your 
mind, and never be afraid of offending your 
friends by telling them the truth, if you can 
by that means advance or extend the Re- 
deemer's kingdom. I used to admire your 
forbearance ; but now I would rather see you 
come out boldly, and cast off all unprofitable 
fear." Her mother approved the sentiment, 
and thanked her for the advice ; after which 
she said to her, " My daughter, you feel now 
as if you could perform every duty with 
ease ; but if you recover, you will feel it no 
easy task. If you again mix with the world, 
you will have to encounter many tempta- 
tions ; the flesh is weak ; Satan is a subtle 
enemy, and often tempts us to be ashamed 
of what we know to be our duty." Caroline 
then, with gentle earnestness, exclaimed, " O 
mother, do not tell me so !" Then raising 
her eyes and hands, she said, " O blessed 
Saviour ! let me die any death — let me die 
this moment, rather than that I should live to 
be ashamed to advance thy cause. No, my 
dear mother, there is no fear of those who 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 115 

devote themselves entirely to the service of 
God. He has promised (and the Lord is 
not a deceiver) that he will sustain his child- 
ren, that none shall be able to pluck them 
out of his hands. If God be for us, who 
shall prevail against us ? No ; it is want 
of faith in his word that makes so many 
weak Christians. The world has too much 
to do with us when we find duty difficult and 
heavy. If we live near to our heavenly Fa- 
ther, he will be near to us ; and he will make 
the performance of every duty pleasant, for 
he has said, his yoke is easy and his burden 
light.". 

Towards evening she had more fever, and 
little or no sleep that night. She evidently 
endured considerable pain ; but no complaint 
escaped from her lips. 

September 17th. About nine o'clock of 
this day a most violent chill came on, which 
was succeeded by a higher fever than she 
had ever had before. Her sufferings were 
great, but not a murmur was she heard to 
utter. In the course of the day a number of 
blisters were applied. She observed that she 
felt a new sensation in her head, different 
from any she had ever felt before, and, with 
great composure, requested that her hair 
might be removed. She desired her mother 
to go and consult her father on the subject. 
This was done ; on which Dr. Smelt ex- 
claimed, with considerable agitation, "Not 



116 MEMOIRS OF 

her hair! not that beautiful hair! Go and 
tell her that I cannot consent to the loss of it, 
unless it should be absolutely necessary. 
Ask the physicians to come to me." Two 
of the gentlemen went to him ; and after- 
wards returned to Caroline, and stated exact- 
ly to her what her father had said. She 
smiled, and said, " I did not know before that 
my dear father attached so much importance 
to my hair. Will you please to tell him that 
I feel an unusual degree of heat about the 
head, and a very strange sensation in it, that I 
do not like ; I think that it may, in some 
measure, arise from the great profusion of 
my hair, and might possibly be relieved by 
its removal. Tell him I am desirous to 
preserve my mental powers to the last, that I 
may speak my Maker's praises, in a sane 
mind, with my latest breath. Tell him that, 
if I recover, the same Power that has clothed 
my head so abundantly, can and will do it 
again, should it be necessary." This mes- 
sage was delivered by Mrs. Smelt to her 
husband, who directed her to assure his 
5 daughter that neither of the physicians con- 
sidered this measure requisite ; and unless 
she insisted on its being done, he could not 
consent to it, but hoped she would recover 
without resorting to this unpleasant remedy. 
When Caroline received this information she 
placidly smiled, and said, " My dear father 
shall be indulged in his tenderness. God is 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 117 

all-sufficient, and in him is my confidence. 
Though I think it proper to use the means 
which he affords us, still they will be un- 
availing unless he choose to give them effica- 
cy. He can cause a drop of cold water to do 
me more good, my medical friends, than all 
the drugs you give me." She had a very 
sick night, but was thought better towards 
morning. 

September 18th. During this day great 
languor came on her whole system, and more 
blisters were applied. Nevertheless her 
fever increased, but no chill was felt by her. 
Mrs. Smelt observed to her, " My beloved 
child, your sufferings are very great." She 
replied, with a sweet smile, "Not greater, 
my mother, than I can bear. Although I 
feel, and feel sensibly, the chastening rod, 
still I am enabled, through divine grace, not 
only to bear it with calmness, but to kiss the 
rod with holy gratitude, and bless the hand 
which inflicts the stripes. Before I was 
afflicted I went astray. My heart was as 
hard as the rock in the wilderness which 
Moses smote, and it became necessary that it 
should feel the rod ; and God, who doeth all 
things well, smote it, and hath caused it to 
overflow with living waters. What if this 
frail body should have to suffer a little while ? 
Did not the blessed Saviour suffer much 
more ? Yes, more than human language 
can express, to redeem me from endless wo ? 



118 MEMOIRS OF 

I suffer deservedly ; but he gave himself a 
willing sacrifice for szn." Her mother then 
said to her, " My dear child, your meekness 
and pious submission to the will of God en- 
dear you tenfold to my heart." To this 
Caroline replied, " My blessed mother, it is 
only another instance, among many, of the 
goodness of God to us both. Such an exam- 
ple of suffering patience is held up to my 
view in the person of Jesus Christ, as dis- 
solves my heart : He gave his precious life 
to ransom my soul ; and ought I to complain 
of my light afflictions, which are but for a 
moment, and will be followed by a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory? My 
gracious Lord will not inflict one unnecessary 
pain. He will enable me to sustain, to the 
very last, every affliction or trial which is 
necessary to the health of my immortal soul." 
Then pointing with her finger to the Bible, 
she continued, " What has he said in Isaiah, 
xli. 1, 2, 3 ? 4 But now thus saith the Lord 
that created thee, O Jacob, (O Caroline,) and 
he that formed thee, O Israel, (O Caroline,) 
fear not ; for I have redeemed thee ; 1 have 
called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 
When thou pass est through the waters, 1 
will be with thee, and through the rivers, 
they shall not overflow thee ; when thou 
walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be 
burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon 
thee, For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 119 

One of Israel, thy Saviour/ These pro- 
mises fill my heart with divine joy. I have 
the most perfect confidence in them, and feel 
not the smallest doubt of their fulfilment 
in my behalf. O heavenly Parent ! thy 
tender mercies towards me are not to be 
numbered, nor can they be conceived." She 
continued very ill throughout the whole of 
that day. Cataplasms were again applied to 
the soles of her feet. 

September 19th. This morning she ap- 
peared rather better until the chill returned ; 
when she felt the first symptoms of it, she 
observed to her mother that she was well 
pleased. Mrs. Smelt was much alarmed, 
because she apprehended that her daughter 
had not strength sufficient to enable her to 
live through it, but Caroline endeavoured to 
comfort her. 

Within a short time afterwards, symptoms 
accompanying the fever pointed to the neces- 
sity of blistering her head. When her hair 
was removed, she expressed great satisfac- 
tion. She observed, that many persons 
might suppose that she would feel some mor- 
tification at the loss of her hair, but that she 
felt none. "I wish," said she, " my dear 
father may feel as composed as I do." She 
then desired a friend to hold it up to her 
view. She said, as she looked on it, " I did 
not think there was such a quantity." (It 



120 MEMOIRS OF 

was more than a yard long, of a dark glossy- 
brown colour, and very thick.) " Well, it 
will never again fatigue my poor arms to 
comb, curl, and dispose of it fancifully. Had 
I kept it, I should never, I hope, have spent 
so much precious time in that way again ; 
but it is all over now. Put it away ; my 
parents will wish to see it." She soon after- 
wards fell asleep, and did not awake till near 
bed-time ; she then expressed her regret that 
she had slept so long, but was too feeble to 
speak much. She appeared very composed 
through the remaining part of the night. 

September 20th. This morning she ap- 
peared to revive a little. She desired her 
mother to read a portion of God's word to 
her. After reading sundry passages, at 
length the following was read in her hearing, 
viz. Is a. x. 22 — " The consumption decreed 
shall overflow with righteousness." No 
sooner were these words repeated than she 
laid her finger on her mother's hand, giving 
her a look full of expression, and said, " Mo- 
ther, do you understand that?" repeating the 
words with great emphasis, " will you go 
and read them to my father, and bring me 
word what he says?" Mrs. Smelt went; 
but found him asleep, with a fever on him. 
She did not awake him, but returned and 
told her his situation. Caroline then request- 
ed her not to forget to do it when he should 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 121 

awake. " Do notbe uneasy, my dear mother ; 
the Lord will not, I think, remove my father 
at this time ; his sickness is not unto death." 

Her mother then said to her, "My beloved 
Caroline, you are very ill ; how are your 
feelings to-day? Is your faith as strong in 
the Lord Jesus as ever ? Are you as willing 
to depart, and are your views of divine mer- 
cy as great, as clear as they have been?" 
She replied, with a countenance beaming 
with divine love, "Just the same — just the 
same. My heavenly Father has never left 
me ; and whether I live or die, it will be to 
the glory of God." She said much more, 
which cannot be accurately recollected ; but 
every sentiment which she expressed breath- 
ed the strongest confidence, and sweetest re- 
signation to the will of God. 

It was soon discovered that her speech be- 
gan to fail. Her mother took leave of her 
with forced composure. She shortly after- 
wards fell asleep, and never spoke again. 
She continued in this state for several hours ; 
after which, on Sabbath evening, the 21st 
September, her happy spirit was released 
from " the earthly house of its tabernacle," 
and took its flight to the arms of Jesus. Not 
a single struggle, not the smallest distortion 
of features, nor even the movement of a sin- 
gle limb, appeared in her last moments. She 
was gone some seconds before the many 
kind friends, who surrounded her dying 
L 



122 MEMOIRS OF 

couch, had ascertained that her spirit had in- 
deed departed. 

It is deemed worthy of remark that she 
told many of her friends, some time before 
her departure, that she prayed that her end 
might be just as in the event it proved to be. 
She observed to them, that she knew her dear 
parents would feel much distressed to see her 
die in hard struggles ; or even to know that 
this was the case, if they did not witness it ; 
and she knew that her Heavenly Father would 
grant her petition, and temper the providence, 
as much as was right, to their feelings. This 
was realized in a most remarkable degree. 
Her father, during the remission of his fever, 
was enabled to visit her chamber, in company 
with her mother, during the time of her sleep 
which immediately preceded her decease. 
They saw that it was the sleep of death ; for 
to their repeated calls she made no answer. 
Once, and only once, when standing by her 
bedside, they united their voices in calling, 
" Caroline ! oh Caroline ! our beloved daugh- 
ter, shall we never more hear the sound of 
your harmonious voice ? — It is your father 
and mother that thus call you ;" she made an 
effort to open her eyes, and to move her lips 
to speak, but could not. However, she was 
enabled to smile. She lay like one reposing 
in health, perfectly calm. They impressed 
a kiss of affection on her lips, repeating, " It 
is your father — it is your mother." She 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 123 

made no signal of sensibility, except another 
smile. Mrs. Smelt repeated her visits again 
and again to her before she departed. She 
viewed her dying daughter with a solemn 
pleasure, and found herself frequently breath- 
ing " O may my last end be like hers !" The 
fervent prayers of two friends, who called in 
a little while before she fell asleep in Jesus, 
contributed much to her comfort. She felt 
indeed that the cup of which she had to 
drink was bitter ; but she was enabled to say 
with submission, " Not my will, but thine, 
O God, be doner 

After the first necessary offices were per- 
formed to the dead body of Caroline, her 
parents desired much to see her, but appre- 
hended a shock to their feelings from the 
view of her lifeless corpse — to see the object 
of their earthly hopes and fond affections an 
inanimate lump of clay. But looking to him 
who had so wonderfully tempered the be- 
reavement, they went forward to the chamber 
of death. They were both supported, to the 
wonder of their friends. They both, for 
some time, regarded the dead body with calm 
composure, and thought themselves honoured 
parents. Mrs. Smelt felt humbled under the 
mighty power of God ; but felt a pleasure 
also in recollecting that she' had been the 
honoured (though unworthy) instrument of 
rearing a virgin-saint, matured by sovereign 
grace for the kingdom of heaven. At length 



124 MEMOIRS OF 

the feelings of the mourning father became too 
strong to endure concealment or restraint. 
As he stood bending over the dead body of 
his only child, he thus addressed his bereaved 
partner : " She is gone. — It is death ! but 
oh ! I never saw it in so heavenly a form 
before. It is death ! but he has made no 
ravages upon that face. She is changed a 
little ; but more beautiful than ever. What 
serene majesty of countenance ! and what 
heavenly calmness ! — her sufferings are over. 
We are bereaved of our only child ; but she 
is happy, and God be praised. I am too fee- 
ble to remain longer now." He kissed her, 
and said, " I will see you again, my child, 
before you leave us for ever. I will, with 
God's permission, see you again after you 
are laid in your coffin — it will compose me ; — 
for you were graceful and majestic in life, 
and you are majestic and beautiful in death." 
He then retired to his own apartment. On 
the following day, her earthly remains were 
attended to the place of interment by as 
large a number of her afflicted and sympa- 
thizing friends as the distressing situation of 
their families at that time would admit. At 
the grave, the thirty-first hymn of Dr. Watts' 
second book, which she had often repeated 
during her illness, was sung; after which 
the mourning friends retired to reflect on the 
solemnities of that scene which had engaged 
their attention for such a length of time. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 125 

It is a source of regret to the friends of the 
deceased Caroline, that many incidents which 
occurred, and many of the conversations which 
she held during her illness, cannot be accu- 
rately recollected, so as to warrant an inser- 
tion here. There were two interviews be- 
tween herself and her parents, an account of 
which has not been given in its proper place, 
because the particular dates are not known 
with certainty ; yet, as the circumstances are 
distinctly remembered, it has been thought 
proper to subjoin some notice of them here. 

The first was with her father, and was as 
follows : — Not long before her death, he was 
enabled one day, during the recess of his 
fever, to visit her. Her mother had told him 
that their daughter was worse ; but the at- 
tending physicians endeavoured to conceal 
from him her real situation, and he consider- 
ed Mrs. Smelt as unnecessarily alarmed. 
He had not seen her for several days, and 
determined to venture into her room. Being 
feeble, he reclined on her bed. She was de- 
lighted to see him, raised her arm over his 
neck, embraced him affectionately, and in- 
quired after his health. Her manner was so 
natural, and her countenance so lovely, that 
before he felt her pulse, he exclaimed, " You 
are a great deal better, Caroline ; I am sure 
there can be no fever, no pain, nor danger, 
where there is such a countenance — such per- 
fect placidity." She replied, " O my dear 
l2 



126 MEMOIRS OF 

father, my mother is right ; I am not as well 
as I have been — indeed, I am in great pain ; 
but I am enabled to bear it with composure." 
He then felt her pulse. " You see (said she) 
that mother was not wrong. Father, I know 
that you have many sterling virtues ; and you 
have been an excellent parent to me. As 
you profess to be a true believer in revealed 
religion, let me entreat you earnestly to seek 
for that faith which is only the gift of God. 
It must come from above, and O ! pray ar- 
dently and frequently for this gift — the bap- 
tism, the anointing of the Holy Ghost — that 
precious Comforter promised by the Saviour 
to all who ask him. O my father ! I have 
received it — I feel it in my soul. I want you 
to feel it, for it will prepare you to meet me 
in heaven." Her father expressed his ap- 
probation of her sentiments and wishes, and 
observed, "My dear Caroline, you have in- 
deed more fever than I at first thought ; but 
you must not talk so much about death. 
Only think you are to recover, and I hope 
you will." He exclaimed, " There must be 
hope where there is such a countenance, such 
patience, such serenity ! — O my beloved 
child ! can you be in pain, and at the same 
time smile so sweetly?" She replied tri- 
umphantly, "Yes, my dear father, faith — 
evangelical faith, can enable us to smile upon 
death. My Saviour suffered pain, and can I 
expect to escape ? — O no, I would not if I 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 127 

could. I feel perfectly submissive to the 
will of Divine Wisdom. ! may you, my 
father, feel so too." After he retired, she 
said, " My poor father is sensibly affected — 
he does not wish to part with his Caroline. 
I hope God will bless him with divine grace ; 
and he will see me where parting shall be 
felt no more. I love him more than ever ; 
for he has qualities which, if properly tem- 
pered, would make him a most valuable 
Christian. O ! he has ever been a tender 
parent to me. He never corrected or spoke 
harshly to me in his life. He has told me of 
faults, but always did it with more softness 
than I deserved." — At no great distance of 
time from the preceding interview with her 
father, she held the following conversation 
with her mother. 

She said, " Mother, I wish you to deliver 
a message from me to my beloved sister- 
cousin, Cornelia Walker, (who was then ab- 
sent on a visit to her friends in New- York.) 
I wish you to tell her of all that the Lord has 
done for me. Tell her that I desire her never 
again to participate in sinful amusements. 
She loves me, and will, I hope, value what I 
say. Tell her I requested, on my death-bed, 
that she might never enter a theatre, a ball- 
room, or attend another fashionable tea-party, 
as they are called : they are all of the same 
family, let who will say otherwise. If one 
of them be sinful, they are all so ; and on 



128 MEMOIRS OF 

that subject I have no doubt. I am also of 
opinion that the last mentioned are more so, 
if possible, than either of the others. Tea- 
parties, as generally attended, lead to more 
extravagance and party-spirit, more vanity, 
more ambition, than the others. I have some 
knowledge of all: I have been at many tea- 
parties, and I know I have never seen more 
folly anywhere. The great amusement 
consists in a display of luxurious delicacies 
which are continually carried round by poor 
slaves, that bend under their weight ; and 
which only vitiate the stomach, and unfit it 
for wholesome food. More ostentation or 
greater excess of vanity is never seen at plays 
or balls. Sometimes a few tunes are played 
on a piano, the sound of which is com- 
pletely lost by the loud conversation of 
many persons speaking at the same time, so 
as to resemble the confusion of Babel. I 
have sat for hours, and not heard one serious 
observation — one rational idea. On the con- 
trary, I have heard nothing but loud peals 
of laughter, or light frivolous chit-chat — per- 
fect levity — nothing else. I generally attend- 
ed with reluctance ; and nothing but a desire 
to conform to the customs of the society in 
which I moved, ever induced me to go. Sil- 
ly excuse ! for my better judgment told me 
better things. But I often, at first, used to 
be amused ; yet, always at a particular hour, 
there would come a knock at my heart, say- 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 129 

ing, « Come out — why will you stay here ?' 
I have gone to cousin, and asked her to go 
home with me. She would say, « O cousin 
Caroline, I have just commenced the enjoy- 
ment of the evening, and cannot go at this 
time.' She will be able to tell you the very 
words. I am very sorry that so many of our 
serious people countenance these things, and 
declaim against the others. There is a 
strange inconsistency in this, which gives the 
world great reason to say what they do : that 
such professors strain at a gnat, and swalloiv 
a camel. Mother, you will never, I hope, 
give them your countenance again ; for you 
must know that they are pernicious to a 
growth in grace." To this her mother re- 
plied that she never would. Caroline then 
embraced her, and said, "I thank God for 
that. I hope my dear cousin will make the 
same promise. I do not wish you to give up 
society — O no ! for religion is a social thing. 
I wish you and her to keep up a rational in- 
tercourse with all our dear friends ; but let 
it be done with gospel simplicity. My dear 
uncle W. will, perhaps, think I have made 
an unreasonable demand of my cousin, in re- 
questing her to give up dancing ; but he 
loves me, and if she is willing, he will not 
oppose her. Tell her, that on a death-bed 
she will be amply rewarded for all the self- 
denial she puts in practice now. O mother ! 
tell her to seek an interest in Christ, while 



130 MEMOIRS OF 

she is in the bloom of life. Her health is 
delicate, and I have often grieved in reflecting 
that I might see her descending into an early 
tomb. But I have been spared this trial ; 
she will now grieve for me. But, O ! she 
must not grieve as those who have no hope. 
She must strive to follow me ; and if we 
meet again, it will be to part no more. I 
hope my early call will speak to her heart ; 
and indeed I pray that it may speak to the 
hearts of all my young friends. I had as 
pleasing prospects of long life as any of 
them, never having been seriously sick, and 
now in my seventeenth year. O mother ! 
how portentous has your presentiment been, 
that you would have to part with me at a 
very interesting age — just as if the Lord had 
been striving, for years, to prepare and for- 
tify your mind to endure an event which he 
knew would try your very soul. You often 
told me of this presentiment ; and is it not 
strange that it never alarmed me ? I used to 
feel solemn ; but it never depressed my spi- 
rits, or produced melancholy. How merci- 
fully have all things been conducted in our 
behalf! — I view your indulgence, in allowing 
me to participate partially in worldly amuse- 
ments, as intended to show me that there 
was no solid pleasure in them. Had I never 
known what they were, I might have attach- 
ed great innocence to them ; but now I am 
enabled to declare that they are exceedingly 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 131 

sinful. Let all those who participate in those 
feasts of unrighteousness, and know that they 
are contrary to the word of God, beware lest 
heavy judgments come upon them. Dear 
Dr. Thompson was much censured for the 
severity with which he condemned them. I 
was one, though then a child, who thought 
he carried his prejudices too far ; but I now 
think he was right as to the principle, though 
his manner might have been milder. It ill 
becomes those who name the name of Jesus, 
and who have made a solemn covenant to be 
his, to mix with the world, and join in ex- 
travagant, volatile, and trifling pleasures. 
We are told that we cannot serve God and 
mammon ; and this is true : they will find it 
so when they come to die. O ! what a differ- 
ent example ought Christians to set before 
the world. I have wondered to hear the ex- 
cuses which some professors make for folly. 
They say that we are social beings — that we 
require relaxation — that God is more merci- 
ful than man — that while we are in the 
world, we must mix with it — we must have 
society — that religion was never designed to 
make us melancholy, but cheerful, &c. My 
strength is too feeble to state all ; but admit- 
ting these excuses to be true, they only per- 
vert the whole. The Lord abundantly pro- 
vides for all his dear children, and never re- 
quires more of them than they can perform ; 
and he commands us not to be conformed to 



132 MEMOIRS OF 

this world — to be holy as he is holy. What has 
the great apostle said 1 ' Be ye therefore fol- 
lowers of God as dear children ; put on the 
whole armour of God. As ye have therefore 
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in 
him, rooted and built up in him, and establish- 
ed in the faith, as ye have been taught, abound- 
ing therein with thanksgiving. Beware, lest 
any man spoil you, through philosophy and 
vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after 
the rudiments of the world, and not after 
Christ ; for in him dwelleth all the fulness 
of the Godhead bodily. Praying always, 
with all prayer and supplication in the spi- 
rit, fyc. For many walk, of whom I have 
told you often, and now tell you weeping, 
that they are the enemies of the cross of 
Christ, whose end is destruction, whose glo- 
ry is their shame, who mind earthly things. 9 
I am not unhappy about my cousin ; but I 
feel anxious that she should know these 
things, and lay them to heart speedily. She 
is almost a year older than I am ; and, by 
this time, has seen enough of the world to 
know that all its joys are transitory and un- 
satisfying. To a death-bed she will have to 
come ; and after that the judgment. Tell 
her, that if she embrace the gospel of Christ 
in all its purity, she will have nothing to fear. 
No; it is sweet to die — death is a pleasant 
friend — the gate of heaven. I long to meet 
death ; but still I am willing to wait until I 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 133 

shall have finished the work appointed for 
me to do. Tell her I love her much : we 
are brought up as twin sisters ; we lived in 
delightful harmony together. O ! that all 
children could love one another as we did; 
and it is natural that I should feel more for 
her than for my other cousins. But the same 
message I leave to all ; for I love all." She 
then left particular messages to her dear un- 
cles, aunts, and friends that were absent ; 
which were afterwards faithfully delivered, 
verbally or by letter. 

Thus lived, and thus died Caroline Eli- 
zabeth Smelt. By the exercise of the nu- 
merous amiable qualities which she possessed, 
she had endeared herself to an extensive cir- 
cle of friends of all ages, sexes, and ranks in 
life. It is asserted that she was never seen 
to be in a passion, although her disposition 
has been visibly tried. She was affectionate, 
meek, dutiful, and modest. She has been 
seen to be displeased, and to suffer moment- 
ary mortification ; but never allowed herself 
to utter an indelicate, harsh, or hasty expres- 
sion. She possessed great independence of 
principle, and w r ould support her opinions 
with great firmness and propriety ; but, if 
convinced of error, would never hesitate to 
retract and acknowledge it. To servants she 
was particularly mild ; and as she made her 
requests to those of her father's household 
with the utmost softness, they always served 
L 



134 MEMOIRS OF 

her with the greatest alacrity. When they 
did so, she would often thank them as polite- 
ly as if she had had no claim to their obe- 
dience. When they disobliged her, she was 
always ready to frame and offer an apology 
for them. She would say, " Perhaps it pro- 
ceeds from forge tfulness. I know I am too 
thoughtless myself, and omit many important 
duties ; and why should I condemn, in those 
poor ignorant beings, faults that are less than 
my own." 

In a word, reverence towards God — filial 
submission and respect towards her parents — 
affability and benevolence towards all with 
whom she was acquainted, seem to have been 
united in her temper and practice through 
life, and "in her death they were not di- 
vided" 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 135 



CONCLUSION. 

The preceding pages contain a brief sketch 
of the leading incidents in the life of this in- 
teresting young female ; at least, of such as 
have come to the knowledge of the compiler. 
From a review of the whole, he cannot feel 
himself at liberty to conclude without offer- 
ing a few reflections, which appear naturally 
to rise from an attentive consideration of 
what has gone before. We may hence ob- 
serve the inestimable advantage which may, 
and often does, arise from early instruction in 
the doctrine and duties of the Christian reli- 
gion. The minds of children cannot be too 
early imbued with a knowledge of the rudi- 
ments of true piety. Such is the natural ac- 
tivity of the human mind, that if it be not pre- 
occupied by good principles, early inculcated, 
the enemy of all good will soon, by some 
means or other, sow his tares. It is an ob- 
servation not more trite than true, that " early 
impressions are always most permanent." 
This being admitted, how careful ought 
parents to be in watching the first opening 
of intellect in their children, and in communi- 
cating to them such easy instructions as they 
are able to comprehend — to teach them that 
there is a great and glorious Being, who 



136 MEMOIRS OF 

made them and all things which they see — 
and who supports all — who loves those that 
do their duty, and will reward them, and 
make them happy ; and also that he hates 
every thing sinful, and will most certainly 
punish it sooner or later. How culpably re- 
miss are those parents who neglect, and use 
no efforts to instil the knowledge of any re- 
ligious principles into the minds of their 
children ; but leave them to be seduced by 
their own erring fancies and passions, or by 
the insinuating suggestions and example of 
vicious companions, who may wish to see 
others as bad as themselves. It appears that 
Caroline Smelt was early taught to know the 
difference between sin and duty. This she 
declared on her death-bed. For this she ac- 
knowledged her grateful obligations to her 
Maker and her mother. To this, no doubt, 
as the instrumental cause, may be ascribed 
much of the correctness of her sentiments 
and general practice through each succeeding 
period of her life. And as the care of child- 
ren, during their tender years, is more imme- 
diately intrusted to the mother than to the 
father, it would seem to be her duty (as it 
should be her delight) to be first in " teach- 
ing the young idea how to shoot, and in 
pouring the fresh instruction over the mind." 
Mothers have opportunities, both more fre- 
quent and more favourable, for doing this. 
More frequent, because children (particularly 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 137 

daughters) are almost always in the company 
of their mothers, or near their persons, during 
a number of the first years of their life ; and 
more favourable, as from the greater fre- 
quency of kindness rendered by the mother 
to her infant children, the latter generally 
love and confide more in her than in their fa- 
ther, or any other person : of course, her in- 
structions will be more kindly received, and 
more readily obeyed. 

We may here also remark the necessity 
that a pious example should accompany reli- 
gious instructions, and the happy influence 
which such a combination is calculated to 
produce on the minds of children. When 
parents teach their children the most salutary 
doctrines and duties, and at the same time, 
by their own habitual temper and practice, 
show an utter neglect or disregard of the sen- 
timents inculcated, the children will soon be 
led to question the truth and importance of 
such instructions, and most probably neglect 
them as much as they see their parents do. 
But where children see their parents endea- 
vouring to walk habitually in conformity to 
the same rules which they enjoin upon them, 
their belief of the instructions is confirmed, 
and the example of the parents is imitated, 
and produces the happiest effects. Caroline 
Smelt was early taught her prayers : this 
was right ; and it is doubtless a duty incum- 
bent on all parents to teach their children that 
l2 



138 MEMOIRS OF 

form of prayer which Christ taught his disci- 
ples, (see Matt. vi. 9 — 13 ;) but many child- 
ren learn this and other useful forms of 
prayer in their early years, who afterwards 
neglect devotion very much, if not altogether. 
One great cause of this may often be, that 
they see the very parents who taught them 
to pray, living in the entire neglect of prayer 
themselves. When Caroline was led in her 
childhood, by her mother, to a throne of 
grace in private prayer — when she saw this 
mother, who loved her, and whom she loved, 
wrestling with God for a blessing on them 
both, as well as all others within mercy's 
reach, this example served not only to habi- 
tuate her to the sacred employment, but to 
impress her tender mind with a conviction 
that there is a reality in religion. This con- 
viction would not, probably, have been so 
readily derived from any other source; and 
no doubt the serious impressions and early 
reverence for religion which she acquired and 
cherished through life, may be safely attri- 
buted, in a great degree, to this circumstance 
as the instrumental cause. Parents then may 
derive encouragement from this to lead their 
children early to the altar of God, and show 
them by their own example the way to a 
mercy-seat ; not only by praying with them 
jointly, in daily family devotion, but by re- 
tiring with them occasionally, one by one, in 
secret. 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 139 

Again, this narrative may encourage pa- 
rents to pray for their children, and bear them 
on their supplicating hearts and tongues when 
they " enter into their closets, and shut the 
door, to pray to their Father who seeth in 
secret" In this duty they have the example 
of Abraham, who " was called the friend of 
God" With what fervent importunity did 
he entreat, (Gen. xvii. 18,) " O let Ishmael 
live before thee!" To pray for their child- 
ren, as well as with them, is certainly a duty 
incumbent on all parents ; and it is a duty 
enjoined upon them when they dedicate their 
little ones to God in the ordinance of bap- 
tism. This was the case when Caroline re- 
ceived the external seal of the gracious cove- 
nant, by the application of the sacramenttal 
water. It was not forgotten by her mother ; 
nor does she yet forget that, when this ordi- 
nance of Christ was administered to her 
infant daughter, she solemnly promised to 
"prayw^Y/t and for her." From these me- 
moirs, it appears that she was not unmindful 
of this solemn obligation, which she then 
voluntarily incurred ; and it is equally evident 
that she received a satisfactory answer to her 
frequent intercessions in behalf of this child. 
Let other parents go and do likewise. Let 
them hence take encouragement to " be stead- 
fast, immoveable, always abounding in the 
work of the Lord. Let them not be weary in 
well-doing ; for they shall reap in due time, 



140 MEMOIRS OF 

if they faint not." And even should pious 
parents not live to see their prayers for their 
children answered in the most desirable ex- 
tent, God can fulfil and answer their expec- 
tations after they shall have rested from 
their labours, and gone to sleep with their 
fathers, 

" The seed, though buried long in dust, 
Shall not deceive their hope ; 
The precious grain shall ne'er be lost, 
For grace ensures the crop." 

Dr. Watts' 126*A Psalm. 

We may here further observe the happy 
influence and effects of filial duty. How 
much more happy was Caroline Smelt than 
if she had been forward and undutiful to her 
parents : from her earliest years she appears 
to have loved and obeyed them ; in return 
they loved her, and delighted in her happi- 
ness. And she appears to have been es* 
teemed and beloved by all who knew her. 

But it may be said, she was an only child 
and an heiress, which procured her that at- 
tention and respect which otherwise she 
would not have received. True, she was an 
only child, and was well educated, in easy 
circumstances, and with flattering prospects ; 
yet had she been disobedient and undutiful 
to her parents, or haughty and contemptuous 
towards others, she could never have secured 
and enjoyed the esteem of her acquaintance 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 141 

No relative obligations can be so strong in 
this life as those by which children are bound 
to their parents ; and filial duty is more cer- 
tainly rewarded in this world than duty of 
any other kind. " Children, obey your pa- 
rents in the Lord, for this is right. Ho- 
nour thy father and mother, (which is the 
first commandment with promise,) that it 
may be well with thee." Children who are 
dutiful to their parents enjoy the approba- 
tion of God, and of all who witness or know 
this part of their conduct. On the other hand, 
such children as treat their parents with dis- 
obedience and disrespect are commonly 
punished, in some way or other, by the 
frowns of Divine Providence in this life, as 
well as by the disapprobation and inward 
contempt of all who know them, both good 
and bad. They that disregard their parents, 
or treat them with disrespect, are guilty of 
the grossest ingratitude to their best earthly 
benefactors, who befriended them in that help- 
less period when they were unable to protect 
themselves, or relieve their own wants. A 
consciousness of guilt in this respect must 
trouble their repose on a dying bed, and ac- 
company them, as a miserable inmate, into 
the world of spirits. 

We may here, also, discover the great 
advantages arising from an early acquaintance 
with the Holy Scriptures. It appears that 
Caroline was acquainted with them from a 



142 MEMOIRS OF 

child. Therefore, when she was seized by 
sickness and laid upon a dying bed, she had 
not to begin to learn the essential doctrines 
of that religion whose support and consola- 
tion she then so greatly needed, and so large- 
ly experienced. No ; she had long before 
learned and felt that she was a sinner, and 
needed a Saviour. She also knew where the 
words of eternal life were contained, and 
where life and immortality were brought to 
light — in the gospel. She knew whither to 
repair, and to whom to apply for relief. Her 
mind was not distracted with that wild de- 
spair, which is often (in such a case) the awful 
effect of ignorance, combined with a con- 
scious sense of guilt. No; she knew the 
way to the wells of salvation ; and was en- 
abled thence (from the promises of the gos- 
pel) to draw living water. She then found 
the advantages arising from a previous pe- 
rusal of the word of God. The ready and 
frequent use which she made of scriptural 
language, in her prayers, praises, and ad- 
monitory addresses during the last sixteen 
days of her life, plainly proved that she had 
long before made the word of God " the 
man of her counsel" The consolation de- 
rived from this circumstance, by herself and 
her friends, should induce parents to urge 
their children to an early acquaintance with 
the revealed will of God ; as they know not 
how soon they may need those divine direc 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 143 

tions and consolations which that sacred 
volume alone can impart. 

From this narrative also may be learned 
the reality and strength of that confidence 
which true believers derive, from the Spirit 
of God witnessing with their spirits that they 
are born again, and savingly interested in 
God's favour through a Saviour's merits. 
Though it appears that Caroline had been a 
long time seeking for the comforts of true 
religion ; that she had seen the unsatisfying 
nature of worldly amusements, and the per- 
nicious effects of conformity to the sinful 
fashions of the world ; and had, for months 
before her last illness, resolved to withdraw 
her presence and withhold her countenance 
from such places and diversions as she was 
convinced were wrong, to which resolution 
she had adhered ; yet it appears that she 
never received a satisfactory evidence of her 
interest in Christ, until the fifth day after her 
last illness commenced. It is the opinion of 
a number of her serious surviving friends, 
that she had true religion several months be- 
fore. To what then was it owing that she 
had not experienced the comforts which the 
evidence of the fact always confers ? Besides 
the sovereign will of God, which we are 
neither able nor allowed to scrutinize, it was 
probably owing to her failing to make a pub- 
lic acknowledgment of the divine goodness, 
in what she had before received. Though 



144 MEMOIRS OF 

long convinced of the truth of Christianity, as 
well as of its excellency, through timidity, 
remaining sinful shame and unbelief, she had 
never openly confessed Christ in the discri- 
minating ordinance of the Lord's supper. 
She had never openly obeyed his dying com- 
mand, " do this in remembrance of me" 
She had probably overlooked, or misunder- 
stood St. Paul's declaration, {Rom. x. 10,) 
" that with the heart man believeth unto 
righteousness, but with the mouth confession 
is made unto salvation." She was probably 
unapprized that, while she* refused to make a 
public avowal of her attachment to the cause 
of Christ, the world would still consider and 
claim her as on their side. The evidences 
of her special and personal interest in the 
Saviour's love might possibly have been with- 
holden, as a testimony of his disapprobation 
of her neglect of a duty so important. But 
now, her end approaching, for purposes 
worthy of the divine wisdom and mercy, she 
obtained grace to help in the time of her 
greatest need. She knew that her Redeemer 
lived, and that, whenever the earthly house 
of her tabernacle were dissolved, she had a 
building of God, a house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. A new song 
was put into her mouth. She was no longer 
the timid tacit Caroline, as she had before 
been called. No ; she was enabled to bear a 
most honourable testimony to the religion of 



CAROLINE E. SMELT. 145 

Jesus. Her " soul did magnify the Lord, 
and her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour." 
She saw the excellencies of her Redeemer ; 
she felt her obligations to him ; and her su- 
preme desires appear to have been to recom- 
mend him to others, and persuade them to 
make a speedy believing application to him 
for safety and happiness. Could any thing 
short of supernatural power have inspired a 
tender, timid, and delicate young female with 
such confidence to meet the king of terrors — 
with such an ardent desire to abandon all the 
flattering prospects which her age and cir- 
cumstances presented to her in this world ? 
Impartial unprejudiced reason must answer — 
No. Her conduct, on several occasions in 
early life, evinced extreme timidity and ex- 
cessive sensibility at the slightest appear- 
ance of danger. But how can this be recon- 
ciled with the courage and firmness which 
she displayed during her last sixteen days ? 
In no other way than by ascribing her tri- 
umph over death and all its terrors, to Him 
who is both the Author and Finisher of faith. 
How widely different the sorrows of sur- 
viving friends, excited by the death of a true 
Christian, from that arising from the decease 
of a sinner, without any well-founded hope 
of future happiness ! To see the latter look- 
ing, with wild anxiety, to every visible source 
for comfort and relief, but finding none, can- 
not fail to excite both the svmpathy and sor- 
N 



146 MEMOIRS OF 

row of every spectator of such a scene. Per- 
haps no language can better describe the 
reluctant agonies of such a soul, than Dr. 
Watts has employed, in the following lines : 

" Ling'ring about these mortal shores, 
She makes a long delay, 
Till, like a flood, with rapid force, 
Death sweeps the wretch away." 

On the other hand, to see a Christian enter 
the gloomy vale without dismay — calm and 
collected in that perilous hour, how consoling 
to all the friends who are left behind ! 'Tis 
neither sinful nor unmanly to mourn the 
loss which we sustain by separation from the 
society of those we love. Jesus wept at the 
grave of Lazarus, his friend ; and Peter found 
the pious friends of Dorcas weeping around 
her dead body ; but the friends of the believer 
need not sorrow as those who have no hope,. 
No ; "for them that sleep in Jesus, will God 
bring with him." And when the departing 
Christian evidently possesses " a hope so 
full of immortality," as that evinced by the 
countenance and conversation of the dying 
Caroline, the surviving friends must be in- 
spired with a hope, otherwise utterly unat- 
tainable. And surely 

" A hope so much divine, 
May trials well endure." 

Finally, the uncertainty of earthly happi- 
ness may be plainly discovered from the 



CAROLINE £. SMELT. 147 

preceding narrative. To her parents, Caro- 
line was certainly a child of much promise : 
intelligent, accomplished, affectionate, and 
obedient. What a pleasing prospect of in- 
creasing satisfaction must they have built on 
such a foundation ! But, alas ! how soon 
were these fond expectations frustrated ! 
Cut down in the bloom of life, she has left 
them to mourn the instability of sublunary 
bliss. May they, as well as the writer, and 
every reader of these remarks, learn, and 
ever recollect, that there is nothing certain, as 
a foundation of a hope of happiness — nothing 
to be depended upon, beneath the unchange- 
able God. Amen. 



APPENDIX. 



The following letters were addressed to Mrs. Jones, a 
sister of Mrs. Smelt, residing in New T -York, in order to 
inform her of the state of Dr. Smelt's family, in whose 
happiness she was known to feel a lively interest. As 
they were written by a gentleman of unquestionable 
veracity, w 7 ho daily visited Caroline during her last ill- 
ness, and had the best opportunities of witnessing the 
exercises of her mind on that trying occasion, it has 
been thought that they might be here subjoined, with 
propriety and advantage, by way of Appendix. 



Augusta, ISth September, 1817. 
Dear Madam, 

By desire of your sister, Mrs. Smelt, who 
is so much debilitated by sickness and watch- 
ing, and who is so incessantly engaged in 
nursing her husband and her daughter, as to 
unfit her for writing, I address a few lines to 
you ; both that you may be informed of the 
real situation of the family, and that you may 
receive consolation from the knowledge that 
this visitation of the Lord has been produc- 
tive of incalculable advantage to your niece, 
n2 149 



1 50 APPENDIX. 

even should it be His will to direct (as to this 
life) a fatal termination. 

Your sister herself has had a severe at- 
tack, but is now sufficiently recovered to 
be about the house. The doctor has been 
seriously indisposed for a week past, and is 
yet confined to his bed ; and their beloved 
daughter, Caroline, has been nearly three 
weeks threatened with dissolution, from the 
violence of fever ; but is not now considered 
by her physicians in a hopeless state. 

To you, who so well know the affectionate 
and tender disposition of Caroline, and the 
mutual fondness that subsisted between her 
parents and herself, it is unnecessary to say 
what a bereavement her mother would sus- 
tain, should the curtain of death intervene, 
and separate them till that " day for which 
all other days were made." This event, 
Heaven, I believe and hope, will at this time 
avert. But should it occur, your sister Smelt 
might rejoice, amidst the depth of her an- 
guish, in the recollection that she has given 
birth to, and reared up a mortal for the climes 
of immortality — that the child of her bosom 
has been prepared, by mercy and grace, 
for reposing for ever in the bosom of her 
God. 

Diseases truly are the servants of the 
Lord, and will accomplish that " whereunto 
they are sent." In this instance it has ef- 



APPENDIX. 151 

fected glorious things, by convincing all 
around her that she is one of the " little flock 
of Christ." More composure or serenity, 
during her painful illness, has hardly ever 
been manifested ; and as complete resignation 
to the will of God as could have been exhi- 
bited by a veteran Christian. If in any thing 
there has been too much anxiety, it was that 
it would please her heavenly Father to re- 
ceive her to himself, during her present ma- 
lady. But in this she has the example of St. 
Paul, who desired to be with Christ, which 
he esteemed " far better" than remaining here. 
All her conversation evidences a heavenly 
mindness which every Christian might desire 
to attain ; and the fervency, animation, and 
propriety of her addresses to the throne of 
grace, would put to the blush every luke- 
warm professor. She desires it to be known 
as her intention, should she be spared until 
an opportunity offers, to unite herself to the 
church which her Saviour has instituted, and 
to devote herself to the service of him who 
died for the redemption of sinners. A week 
hence, I will again inform you of your sis- 
ter's family, should she herself be unable. 
Pages would not convey all that your sister 
wishes communicated ; but the time of clos- 
ing the mail is too near at hand to permit my 
adding more. 

Augusta has been unusually unhealthy 



152 APPENDIX, 

this autumn. Mrs, M, continues very un 
well, but desires her love to you. 
I am, dear friend, 

Your's truly, in Christ, 

A M 

Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 



Augusta, 21 st September, 1817. 
Dear Madam, 

Last post I addressed you, to inform you 
of the distressing circumstances of your 
sister's family. Mrs. Smelt continues as 
well as then, and the doctor is considerably 
better ; but Caroline is asleep in Jesus. 
This evening, at four o'clock, she closed her 
eyes on sublunary things, and her spirit re- 
turned to God who gave it. Happy girl! 
she has rejoined her sisters and brother in 
the realms of glory, where the pangs of se- 
paration can be no more experienced. 

Blessed be the Lord, she was prepared for 
her departure. A full reliance on the merits 
and atonement of her Saviour constituted her 
hopes of happiness. Her death-bed was a 
lesson to all who approached it ; although 
for the last twelve or fifteen hours of her life 
she was speechless, in a kind of stupor. 
But while her powers of utterance were con- 
tinued, she ceased not to proclaim the love 



APPENDIX. 153 

of God, and the all-sufficiency of the Re- 
deemer. " Weep not for me," she would 
say to her mother, " I am and shall be infi- 
nitely happy. Be comforted, my dear mo- 
ther, and rejoice in my felicity." And in- 
deed if any thing can comfort her mother and 
father, under so severe an affliction, a confi- 
dence that their "loss is her eternal gain" 
alone can do it. They are both much more 
resigned and composed than could reasonably 
be expected, from the incalculable loss they 
have sustained. 

May the God who has directed this event, 
bestow on them the consolations of his 
Holy Spirit, and give them a name of more 
importance than that derived from sons and 
daughters. I have just left the house, and 
it is indeed one of mourning and wo. But 
they " mourn not as those without hope." 
I have only time to add my best respects ; 
and am, Madam, in the bonds of Jesus, 
Your's trulv, 

A M 

Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 



Augusta, 23r/ September, 1817. 
Dear Madam, 

Convinced of your solicitude to know 
how your sister has supported the calami- 



154 APPENDIX. 

tous event, of which it was my painful duty 
to inform you by last mail, I again drop you 
a few lines, to say that, through the good- 
ness and mercy of God in convincing them 
that his glory and the felicity of the deceased 
would be promoted, your sister and her hus- 
band, the doctor, are calm and resigned. 
They sorrow indeed ; but " not as those with- 
out hope." The mortal remains of the be- 
loved Caroline were yesterday deposited in 
the ground ; but her immortal spirit has 
caused the angels in heaven to rejoice in such 
an accession to the number of " the spirits 
of the just made perfect." I left the mourn- 
ing parents a few moments ago ; and the 
Christian's consolation is theirs. They 
weep ; but it is for themselves — not for their 
daughter. Their house is, as it were, " left 
unto them desolate ;" for they no longer see 
their chief earthly joy ; they hear no more 
the footsteps of their Caroline, nor does her 
loved voice sound in their ears any more. 
She " cannot return to them,;" but it com- 
forts them to know that " they may go to 
her." They have looked to the Author of 
their past joys and their present sorrows for 
relief; and he has tranquillized their bosoms. 
" The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
away ;" and they can devoutly add, " blessed 
be the name of the Lord." Your sister will 
write to you, if nothing prevent, in the course 



APPENDIX. 155 

of a week; at present her nerves are too 
much affected for such an effort. The fever 
has entirely left her, and the doctor is reco- 
vering fast. When she does write, you will 
be astonished to hear what " a preacher of 
righteousness" her daughter was to all who 
visited her, during her confinement to 
that bed from whence her spirit winged its 
flight to heaven. Few death-bed scenes have 
afforded so much instruction. Having expe- 
rienced, herself, the high hopes of the Chris- 
tian, and participating daily in the love and 
merits of the Redeemer of mankind, she 
strove, with all the powers of an almost in- 
spired eloquence, to induce every one around 
her to embrace that Saviour, whose arms 
would receive every fallen child of Adam 
that would turn to him, and rely on his abi- 
lity to save. Her admonitions will, I trust, 
be remembered with benefit by many of her 
companions, and their intercourse be revived 
beyond the grave. 

Poor Cornelia ! I sympathize with her, for 
she has lost a bosom friend. Mrs. M. con- 
tinues unwell, she desires her love. In haste 
I am, dear Madam, 

Your's, verv sincerely, 

A M 

Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 



156 APPENDIX. 



The following letter was addressed to the Editor, since 
he undertook to compile the preceding memoirs, by the 
Rev. Mr. D , a clergyman of the Methodist Con- 
nexion, resident in Augusta, whose reputation, as a 
pious and prudent man, is well established. 



Augusta, May 8th, 1818. 
Dear Sir, 

Agreeable to your request, I now write 
you a few observations concerning some of 
the spiritual exercises of Miss Caroline Smelt, 
during her last illness, so far as I was an 
eyewitness of the same. The first conver- 
sation that I had with her on a religious sub- 
ject was on Saturday evening, the 6th of Sep- 
tember last. She had professed to find peace 
with God on the Tuesday before ; and I 
thought, for my own part, that she had every 
genuine mark of a truly converted soul. 
There appeared to be a sweet humility, and 
an amiable simplicity in all her conversation. 
Her whole delight seemed to be to talk of 
the goodness of God to her soul ; and she 
frequently asked me if I had any doubt on 
my mind of her being a child of God, and if 
I felt willing to acknowledge her as a sister 
in Christ. She was very desirous of receiv- 
ing the Lord's supper on the following Sab- 
bath, which I had agreed to administer to 
her ; but it was thought by her friends, that 



APPENDIX. 157 

her body was in too weak a state for her to 
receive such an ordinance. For several days 
following, she frequently expressed her gra- 
titude and surprise that she had come so 
easily through the pangs of the new birth. 
It continued to be her greatest delight to talk 
about the goodness of God ; and, though her 
friends would often remind her of her bodily 
weakness, and advise her to be silent, she 
would assure them that she felt perfectly 
easy. 

Her mind was most remarkably resigned 
to the divine will. The fear of death was 
entirely taken away ; and though she would 
sometimes express " a desire to depart and 
be with Christ, which was far better," yet 
no impatient word ever escaped her. She 
always expressed herself as willing to live, 
and suffer as much longer as the Lord should 
please to be the case. 

On Sabbath day, the 7th of September, 
she desired the prayers of the congregation, 
not so much for the recovery of health, as 
that the will of God should be continually 
done in her, and by her. She appeared to 
be anxious that as many others as possible 
should hear of the goodness of God to her 
soul ; and understanding that I was to attend 
a camp-meeting shortly, she desired that I 
would publicly tell the congregation what the 
Lord had done for her soul. She seemed to 
O 



158 APPENDIX. 

regret that she had never made a public pro* 
fession of religion in time of health; but 
expressed her determination to do so, should 
the Lord ever raise her up again. In the 
mean time, she declared that she was not 
ashamed of the gospel of Christ. 

In this happy state of mind she continued, 
with little or no variation, till the Sabbath 
day, 21st of September, when her happy spi- 
rit took its flight to that "rest that remains 
for the people of God." — There can be no 
reasonable doubt of the reality of her conver- 
sion to God, and that she died a true believei 
in Christ. 

I remain, dear Sir, 
Your's, in the gospel of our common Lord, 

S D 

Rev. Moses Waddel, 

Willington, South Carolina, 



THE END. 



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